Official Drunk UNO Rules

Last Updated on January 22, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Drunk UNO is a drinking game twist on the classic UNO card game. You play by standard UNO rules, but every mistake, special card, or unlucky draw comes with a sip, shot, or drink penalty. The goal is still to get rid of all your cards first—but surviving the drinks is part of the challenge.

All you need is a deck of UNO cards, a group of friends, and drinks of your choice. Drunk UNO works best at casual parties or a relaxed games night where everyone agrees to play responsibly.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

How to Play Drunk UNO (Complete Guide)

---

What You Need

• 1 standard deck of UNO cards
• Drinks (beer, mixed drinks, or shots)
• 2 or more players (4–8 is ideal)

---

Setup

1. Choose a dealer.
2. Shuffle the deck thoroughly.
3. Deal 7 cards face-down to each player.
4. Place the remaining cards face-down in the center to form the draw pile.
5. Flip the top card face-up to start the discard pile.
6. The first person left of the dealer takes the opening turn.

---

Objective

Be the first player to play your last card. Drinking penalties apply throughout the game, and losing players drink more at the end of a round.

---

Gameplay Rules

On your turn, you must play one card that matches the discard pile’s top card by color, symbol, or number.

If you don’t have any playable cards, you must draw a new card from the draw pile:

• If the card can be played, you may play it immediately.
• If not, your turn ends and play moves to the next player’s turn.

---

Drunk UNO Drinking Rules

Drawing Cards

• Any time you draw a card, take 1 sip.
• Optional rule: If you cannot play after drawing, continue drawing until you find a playable card and sip for each new card.

Number Cards

• Standard number cards have no automatic drinking penalty unless your group adds house rules.

Skip Card

• The skipped opponent takes 1 sip.

Reverse

• The direction of play changes.
• The affected player takes 1 sip.

Draw Two

• The next player draws two cards and takes 2 sips.

Wild Card

• The player chooses a new color.
• Everyone takes 1 sip, including the player who used the card.

Wild Draw Four

• The next player draws four cards and takes 4 sips.
• Optional balance rule: the player who played the wild draw card also takes 1 sip.

Forgetting to Say UNO

• If a player fails to call UNO when playing their second-to-last card:
  • They draw four cards
  • They take 4 sips

---

End of a Round

A round ends when one player plays their last card.

• All other players drink 1 sip per card left in their hand.
• The last player (the one with the most remaining cards) may be assigned an extra drink or shot.
• Collect all cards, shuffle, and deal again to start the next level (new round).

---

Optional Drinking Rule

• Any player who asks a question about the rules during gameplay takes 1 sip.

---

UNO Rules Refresher (Base Game)

If you’re new or need a reminder, these standard UNO rules always apply:

• Match cards by color, number, or symbol.
• Use action cards to disrupt play.
• Say UNO when holding one card.
• If the draw pile runs out, shuffle the discard pile (except the top card) to create a new draw pile.

---

Strategy Tips for Drunk UNO

• Save wild cards for late-game control.
• Track which opponents are low on cards to time skip and wild draw plays.
• Use reverse strategically to avoid drinking penalties.
• Don’t rush your final turn—forgetting UNO is costly.
• Pace yourself early so drinks don’t stack too quickly.

---

Tips for a Better Game Night

• Set drink limits before starting.
• Replace shots with sips for longer sessions.
• Keep water nearby.
• Agree on all house rules in advance.
• Never pressure anyone to drink more than they want.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Conclusion

Drunk UNO takes a familiar card game and transforms it into a chaotic, laughter-filled drinking experience perfect for casual parties and relaxed games night settings. With simple rules, flexible penalties, and nonstop interaction, it’s easy to learn and endlessly replayable—just remember to drink responsibly and keep the focus on fun.