The official rules specify that Skip cards have a singular function: to force another player to lose their turn. When a player draws a Skip card, they have the option to discard it immediately or save it for a later turn. However, a Skip card may never be used to contribute to making Phase 8 or any other Phase. Additionally, Skip cards cannot be picked up from the discard pile. A critical limitation is that only one Skip card may be used against each individual player per 'round' (defined as one full circuit around the table). If the dealer begins the discard pile with a Skip card, the first player's turn is automatically skipped.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Draw a card from either the draw pile or the discard pile.
Step 2: If the card is a Skip card, decide to discard it immediately or save it for a later turn.
Step 3: On a subsequent turn, discard the Skip card onto the discard pile.
Step 4: Choose the specific player who will lose their turn.
Example Play Situation
Alice draws a Skip card and decides to save it. Two turns later, Alice discards the Skip card and chooses Bob to lose his turn. Bob must now skip his turn and cannot draw or discard.
Common Misconceptions
Using a Skip card to complete a Phase
Picking up a Skip card from the discard pile
Using multiple Skip cards against the same player in one round
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Discard the Skip card to make a player lose a turn
Use a Skip card to complete any Phase
Save a Skip card to use on a later turn
Pick up a Skip card from the discard pile
Skip the first player if the dealer starts the pile with a Skip card
Use more than one Skip card against the same player per round
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for Skip cards in Phase 10?
They are used only to make another player lose their turn and cannot be used in Phases.
Can I use a Skip card to help me finish Phase 8?
No, Skip cards may never be used in making Phase 8 or any other Phase.
What happens if the dealer puts a Skip card on the discard pile to start?
The first player's first turn is automatically skipped.
Is it allowed to pick up a Skip card from the discard pile?
No, a Skip card may never be picked up from the discard pile.
David Noah is a board game rules specialist and content creator who writes clear, dispute‑free guides for modern tabletop games. On this site, he focuses on answering the exact rules questions players argue about at the table, using official rulebooks, expansions, and tournament rulings as his primary sources. His goal is to turn confusing edge cases into simple, step‑by‑step explanations so you can spend less time debating and more time playing.
