UNO Braille is a version of the popular card game UNO that has Braille dots on each card, so that blind and low vision players can enjoy it. It was developed in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind.
UNO Braille Cards
UNO Braille cards are 112 in total like orignal uno cards, and they have Braille dots on each card to indicate the number, color, and action of the card. The cards are split into four hues: red, blue, green, and yellow. Each hue features cards numbered from 0 through 9, in addition to action cards like skip, reverse, draw two, wild, and wild draw four. Four quick play reference cards have basic rules in plain text and Braille, but we do not use them in the game.
Rules for UNO Braille
The goal of the game is to be the initial player to discard all your cards in each round while scoring points based on the cards still held by your opponents. Points from each round are added together and the first player to achieve 500 points is declared the winner.
To play UNO Braille, you need to match a card from your hand to the card on the top of the discard pile, either by number, color, or action.
The action cards have special functions that affect the gameplay, such as making the next player draw cards, skip their turn, or change the direction of play.
How to Play UNO Braille
UNO Braille is a fun and accessible card game that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their vision. Here are some basic steps on how to play UNO Braille in your own unique style:
- Mix the 112 cards thoroughly and distribute 7 cards to every player. Place the remaining cards face down as the draw pile, and turn over the top card to start the discard pile.
- The game commences with the player situated to the dealer’s left, who must match the discard pile’s top card in terms of number, color, or action. For instance, if the top card is a red 5, the player can play any red card, any card with a 5, or any action card. You must announce the card you are playing out loud, and read the Braille dots on the card with your fingers.
- Should you lack a corresponding card, you are required to pick a card from the pile. If the card you pick can be played, you are allowed to play it immediately. If not, you are obliged to retain it and conclude your turn.
- You are required to yell “UNO” when you’re down to your last card. If you neglect to do so and another participant notices before the subsequent player takes their turn, you’ll be penalized by having to pick up two additional cards.
- The game persists until a player runs out of cards. That player wins the round and scores points based on the cards left in the other players’ hands. The game is won by the player who first accumulates 500 points.
You can spice up your game by adding some variations, such as:
- Playing with teams: You can pair up with another player and share your cards and points. You can also help each other by saying “UNO” to your partner.
- Playing with special rules: You can make up your own rules for certain cards, such as making the wild card change the color and the direction of play or making the reverse card skip the next player’s turn. Just make sure everyone agrees on the rules before the game starts.
- Playing with challenges: You can challenge another player when they play a wild draw four card, if you think they have a matching card in their hand. If you are right, they must draw four cards instead of you. If you are wrong, you must draw six cards.
UNO Braille is a great way to have fun and practice your Braille skills.
