How to Correctly Play the Wild Shuffle Hands Card in UNO

PDF download Download Article
Learn how this wild card works and the best time to play it
PDF download Download Article

When you’re playing UNO, the Wild Shuffle Hands card can change the course for the rest of the game. While the card rules may be a little confusing to new players, it’s really easy to learn the rules and best strategies for how to play it. Keep reading, and we’ll cover exactly how the Wild Shuffle Hands card works and how to use it effectively in your next game.

How to Play the Wild Shuffle Hands Card

When you play Wild Shuffle Hands, take everyone’s cards and shuffle them together. Deal the cards out evenly between all the players. Then, choose the card color that will be played for the next player’s turn.

Section 1 of 6:

What does “Wild Shuffle Hands” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you play the Wild Shuffle Hands card, collect each player’s hand including your own. Shuffle the cards thoroughly. Starting with the player to your left, deal the cards out as evenly as possible to all the players. After that, choose the color you want the next player to start with. [1]
    • Some players may get fewer cards than others after you deal out the new hands.
    • If the Wild Shuffle Hands card is the first one turned up from the deck at the beginning of the game, do not shuffle everyone’s hands together. The player to the left of the dealer picks the game’s starting color.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

When to Play Wild Shuffle Hands

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you play UNO , using the Wild Shuffle Hands too early lets other players strategize and plan out the rest of the game. Hold onto the card for as long as you can so it’s a surprise whenever you play it.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re holding a lot more cards than the other players and feel at a disadvantage, drop the Wild Shuffle Hands card to balance out the competition. You’ll get a new hand of cards and may even have fewer than you started with.
    • Shuffling hands is also a great idea if you have a lot of cards in a single color.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice that a player is only holding on to 1 or 2 cards, then play Wild Shuffle Hands to even out the competition. That player will get more cards in their hand and give you a better chance at winning the game .
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you see a player hoarding cards or using a lot of action cards, like Skip or Draw 2, play Wild Shuffle Hands to disrupt the game. Players will have to adapt to the new cards they’re dealt and switch to a new strategy.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 6:

Can you play Wild Shuffle Hands as the last card?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As soon as you only have one card left in your hand, be sure to shout “UNO” so other players know you’re close to winning. On your next turn, you can play Wild Shuffle Hands to end the round.
    • If you don’t say “UNO” before the next player begins their turn, then you must draw 2 more cards as a penalty. [2]
Section 4 of 6:

How many points is a Wild Shuffle Hands card worth?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re holding the Wild Shuffle Hands card when another player goes out, then the card counts as 40 points toward your score.
    2. Advertisement
Section 5 of 6:

Is Wild Shuffle Hands in every UNO game?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While current versions of UNO include 1 Wild Shuffle Hands card in the deck, older copies don’t have this card at all. If you don’t see a Wild Shuffle Hands card, then just play the game like normal. [3]
    • If your copy of UNO came with blank customizable Wild cards, then you can create your own Shuffle Hands card to include in the game.
Section 6 of 6:

What does “Wild Swap Hands” mean in UNO?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Shuffle-Hands-Mean-in-Uno-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Instead of Wild Shuffle Hands, some copies of UNO replace it with a “Wild Swap Hands” card. When you play the card, pick any player and exchange your hand with them. After that, choose the card color you want the next player to continue with. [4]
    • Try playing a Wild Swap Hands card on someone who only has 1 or 2 cards so you’re closer to winning the game.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      The Best Card Games to Try with Only 2 Players
      How to
      Play Go Fish
      How to
      Play and Win a Game of Skip Bo
      How to
      Play Cards Against Humanity
      Swoop Card Game: Rules & How to Win
      How to
      Play Uno Flip: Game Setup, Rules, and More
      How to
      Play the Card Game 13
      How to
      Play Trash
      13 Best Card Games for 3 People
      How to
      Play Tongits
      What Do You Meme? Rules Guide
      How to
      Play President (Card Game)
      DOS Card Game: Complete Rules Guide
      How to
      Play Old Maid
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/FkuqYtE1rw0?t=120
      2. ↑ https://service.mattel.com/instruction_sheets/42003-Wild.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/uno/how-to/how-to-play-uno
      4. ↑ https://service.mattel.com/instruction_sheets/42003-Wild.pdf

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 80,884 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement