Phase 10 Complete Guide: Rummy Variant Card Game

Phase 10 is a rummy-style card game where players must complete 10 specific phases (card combinations) in order. Created in 1982, it has sold over 30 million copies and is one of the best-selling card games in the world — sometimes called "rummy on steroids."

Game Components

What's in the Box

• 108 cards — 96 numbered cards (two each of 1-12 in four colors: red, blue, green, yellow), plus 4 Skip cards and 8 Wild cards
• Designed for 2-6 players (best with 3-5)
• Typical game duration 45-90 minutes (varies widely)

The 10 Phases

Each player must complete phases in order. You cannot skip ahead.

• A set is 2+ cards with the same number (any color)
• A run is consecutive numbers of any color (e.g., 3-4-5-6)

How to Play

Setup

1. Shuffle the deck and deal 10 cards to each player.
2. Place the remaining cards face-down as the draw pile.
3. Flip the top card to start the discard pile.

Taking a Turn

1. Draw one card from the draw pile OR the top of the discard pile.
2. If you have the cards to complete your current phase, lay them down face-up in front of you.
3. After laying down your phase, you may "hit" by playing additional cards onto your own or others' completed phases.
4. Discard one card to end your turn.

Key Rules

• You can only lay down your current phase — not future phases.
• Wild cards can substitute for any number in a set or run.
• Skip cards force one opponent to skip their next turn.
• If you complete your phase and empty your hand in the same round, you move to the next phase next round.
• If you do not complete your phase, you must try the same phase again next round.

Ending a Round

A round ends when one player empties their hand (goes out). Players who completed their phase advance to the next phase. Players who did not must retry the same phase.

Scoring

When a player goes out, all other players score points for cards left in their hands:

Lower score is better — the winner is the first to complete Phase 10 with the lowest total score.

Strategy Tips

1. Save Wild Cards for Hard Phases

• Phases 4, 5, and 6 (runs of 7, 8, 9) are the hardest to complete.
• Save your wild cards specifically for these phases.
• Using wilds on easy phases (like Phase 1: two sets of 3) is a waste.

2. Watch Opponents' Progress

• Track which phase each opponent is on.
• If someone is on Phase 10 and you are far behind, prioritize going out quickly to prevent them from advancing.
• Skip cards are most valuable when used against the player closest to winning.

3. Discard Strategically

• Avoid discarding cards that help opponents complete their current phase.
• If you know an opponent needs a run, don't discard consecutive numbers.
• If an opponent needs a set, don't discard pairs.

4. Plan for Phase 8 Early

• Phase 8 requires 7 cards of one color — this is one of the hardest phases.
• Start collecting one color during earlier phases.
• Having a color stockpile makes Phase 8 much easier.

5. Hit Aggressively After Laying Down

• After completing your phase, hit on every possible pile to empty your hand faster.
• Hitting on opponents' phases is just as valid as hitting on your own.
• Every card you play from your hand is one fewer card that scores against you.

6. Going Out vs. Scoring Low

• If you are behind in phases, prioritize going out to catch up.
• If you are ahead in phases, you can afford to accumulate cards for a better position next round.
• Sometimes it is better to not go out if it means opponents score heavy penalties.

Game Variations

Phase 10 Masters Edition

• Includes additional phases and special action cards
• More complex scoring with bonus multipliers
• Designed for experienced players

Phase 10 Dice

• Uses custom dice instead of cards
• Faster gameplay — typically 20-30 minutes
• Same 10-phase structure

Phase 10 Twist

• Adds a board element with spaces for each phase
• Includes strategic movement and blocking
• Supports up to 8 players

Game History

Origins

• Invented by Kenneth Johnson in 1982
• Based on the concept of contract rummy games popular in the mid-20th century
• Johnson was inspired by a variant of Liverpool Rummy

Commercial Success

• Published by Fundex Games, now owned by Mattel
• Over 30 million copies sold worldwide
• Available in digital and mobile versions on multiple platforms
• One of the top 5 best-selling card games of all time
• Translated into 15+ languages

Statistics

• Designed for 2-6 players (best with 3-5)
• 108 cards total (96 numbered + 8 wild + 4 skip)
• 10 phases to complete in order
• 4 colors: red, blue, green, yellow
• Numbers range from 1 to 12
• Over 30 million copies sold worldwide
• First published in 1982
• Typical game duration 45-90 minutes
• Suitable for ages 8 and up
• Wild cards: 8 total
• Skip cards: 4 total
• Lower score wins
• Published by Mattel

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