Dos Card Game: Your Guide to Rules, Setup & Winning

If you’ve mastered UNO and its various editions but are craving a new challenge, the DOS card game is the next step. DOS brings forth a fresh twist on the classic UNO formula. While the basic concept of matching numbers remains, DOS introduces exciting new mechanics, including multiple discard piles and strategic Wild cards.

You must use an intricate strategy and thrilling moves to outwit your opponents. You need more skill to win the game, but you must first learn the rules.

Let’s lay out the DOS card game rules in detail as the first step towards mastering the game. I will also reveal a unique game similar to DOS towards the end.

How to Play DOS Card Game

Requirements

1. A 108 DOS deck of playing cards.
   • Numbered Color Cards: 96 cards
     • 4 Colors: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow
     • Numbers per color:
       • 3 cards each for: 1, 3, 4, 5
       • 2 cards each for: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
   • Wild Cards: 12 cards
     • 12 Wild Dos cards
     • 2 Wild # cards for each color
2. 2-3 Players (for best and quick DOS card game).
3. Pen and paper for scorekeeping.

Understanding Wild Cards

• Wild # Card: This card can represent any number from 1 to 10 in its color. If drawn, the player decides which number it will be.
• Wild DOS Card: This card represents the number 2, but you can take any color you choose when playing it. If it’s drawn from the pile, you decide what color it should be.

Also Read: How to Play Slapjack Card Game

Set-Up

The first step in the DOS is to select a dealer. Shuffle the deck and let every player draw a card. The player with the highest card is the dealer. The chosen dealer deals seven cards to each player in a face-down position. You should not expose your seven cards to anyone except yourself.

Now, the dealer creates a draw pile by placing the remaining cards after dealing in the middle of the players, in a face-down position. Two cards are drawn from the draw pile and placed aside to form the center row.

Playing the Game

The gameplay of DOS Card starts from the player to the left of the dealer and proceeds clockwise. On your turn, you have four instances to play cards:

1. Matching Cards
2. Color Match
3. Unable to Make Match
4. Refill the Center row

Matching Cards

In the instance of matching cards in the game, you can match one card from your hand to a center-row card with the same number, irrespective of color match. This is a Single Match. For example, you’re matching a 5-card in your hand to a 5-card in the center row, irrespective of the color match.

When you play cards in DOS, there is also a Double match. It happens when you use two cards from your hand to match the number on one card in the center row. The two cards you play together must add up to that number. For example, if the center row has a 7, you could use a 3 and a 4 from your hand to match it. The color of the cards doesn’t matter.

Color Match

In the color-matching action, you make a match with cards of the same color to earn bonus points. There is again a single match and a double match in this instance.

In Single Match, you match both the number and the color of a card in the center row with a card from your hand. If the cards you played match this requirement, you get to discard one more card from your hand onto the center row.

Let’s say there’s a red 5 card in the center row. If you have a red 5 card in your hand, you can place it on top of the red 5 in the center. After that, you get to discard another card from your hand onto the center row, like a yellow 3.

In Double Color Match, you match two cards of the same color that add up to the number on a card in the center row. DOS card game rules allow a double color match bonus for this move, which forces opponents to gain one card. One card per double color match bonus.

For example, if there is a green 8 card in the center, and you have a green 5 card and a green 3 card in your hand, you can play both of them together because 5 + 3 = 8. Your hand cards match the color also. After you do that, you get to discard one more card, and all the other players have to draw a card.

Unable to Make Match

If you’re not able to match any of your cards to one of the center row cards, then you have to pick up a card from the draw pile. If you can use the drawn card to play a number match or color match, play it. Otherwise, discard one card from your hand onto the center row as per DOS card game rules.

Refill Center Row

After you play your matching cards, you put matching pairs in the discard pile face down. Then, to fill up the center row again, you take two cards from the draw pile and put them in the center. At any point of time, the center row should have a minimum of two cards.

DOS!

After playing cards in your hand, if you’re left with two cards, it is time to shout “DOS” and end a round of the game. But if you forget to announce “DOS” and are caught by any other player who goes “DOS”, you have to pick two cards from the draw pile as a penalty.

DOS Scoring Rules

The round ends when a player discards all their cards. If they earned Double Color Match Bonuses during their turn, all other players must draw cards before scoring. The player who finishes first will earn points based on the cards left in others’ hands and becomes the dealer for the next round.

Here are the rules for scoring points:

For example, if the winner has discarded all their cards and their opponents still have the following:

• One Wild Dos card (20 points)
• Two number cards worth 5 and 8 (total 13 points)
• One Wild # card (40 points)

The winner scores 73 points (20 + 13 + 40).

The first player to reach 200 points wins the DOS game, though this number can be adjusted if everyone agrees. Some versions of the game say 500 points. But it can be any number that the whole team agrees on.

Draw 4 Game Variation

In the Draw 4 variation, certain cards trigger a penalty for your opponents. For example, when you play a Wild # card, the next player must draw four cards and skip their turn. It can slow down your opponent’s progress and give you a strategic advantage.

Similarly, the Wild DOS card can be used to make the next player draw four cards if they fail to match a card. Timing is key, so use these cards wisely to force opponents into a disadvantageous position.

Top 10 DOS Card Game Strategies To Follow

• Play Low Cards Early: Start the game with low-numbered cards to reduce the chances of opponents making easy matches.
• Big Numbers for Late Game: Hold onto high-value cards like 9 or 10 until the end of the game to pressure opponents who have fewer cards left.
• Save Wild Cards: Keep Wild # and Wild DOS cards for later in the game when their potential is maximized. For example, hold onto a Wild # card that can act as any number until it’s necessary to finish a match or block an opponent.
• Watch Discards by Opponents: The only clue you have for turning odds in your favor in DOS is to keep track of what cards your opponents discard. It helps you analyze their hand and plan your moves.
• For example, if your opponent discards a blue 6, you might want to keep a blue card in your hand in case they’re trying to get rid of it.
• Block Double Color Matches: Avoid situations where opponents can earn Double Color Match bonuses, which could force you to draw cards.
• Use Large Numbers Against Fewer Cards: If your opponent has only a few cards, play high-numbered cards (like 9 or 10) to limit their match options.
• Maximize Color Match Bonuses: Make the most of Single and Double Color Match bonuses to make opponents draw cards while you stay ahead.
• Always Call “DOS!”: Don’t forget to call “DOS!” when you have two cards left to avoid penalties and stay ahead. Be alert.
• Read Opponents’ Moves: Observe your opponents’ plays and discards to predict their next move and outsmart them. Let’s say your opponent keeps discarding a red card. They might be holding a lot of red cards. Now, play a color that’s difficult for them to match.

MPL Draw 4 – A Better Real Money Game

If you’re looking for a better and safer game, try the Draw 4 game on MPL. The gameplay involves matching cards to the previously played cards based on the color or number. There are wild cards to make the game more fun. Above all, each game lasts 2 minutes for all players, which brings about the real challenge of playing against opponents. Like in DOS, the first player to be left with zero cards or the player with the lowest score wins the round. You can also win real money by competing with online players in Draw 4.

For DOS players looking to elevate their gaming experience with strategy-focused gameplay and real money opportunities, MPL Draw 4 is a safe and entertaining choice. You can play for real money or free practice on the MPL app.

In the End

To truly excel in the DOS game, stay flexible and adapt your strategy as the game progresses. While the rules and moves are essential, learning when to shift your approach based on the game’s flow can make a big difference. Be prepared to switch between aggressive and defensive play, depending on the situation. Always keep an eye on the changing dynamics to outsmart your opponents. All it takes is experience and consistent practice; don’t look for shortcuts.

Read More: How to Play One Piece Card Game

FAQs

What is the difference between DOS and UNO?

The key difference between DOS card game and UNO lies in gameplay: DOS focuses on matching numbers for basic moves and colors for bonuses, features multiple discard piles, and requires players to shout “DOS” when holding two cards. UNO card game centers on matching colors or numbers, with one discard pile.

What are wild cards in the DOS game?

In DOS card game rules, wild cards include the Wild DOS and Wild # cards. The Wild Dos card represents the number 2 and can be assigned any color. The Wild # card can represent any number from 1-10, with the player choosing the number and color when played. The below image shows both wild cards:

How to use the 2-card in DOS?

In DOS, the Wild DOS card counts as a 2 of any color. In other words, you can use the 2-card to match any color. You choose the color when playing it or when matching to it if it’s face up in the Center Row.

How is the winner decided in a DOS game?

There are variations in deciding the winner of the DOS. As per the 2021 version, the first player to reach 200 points wins the game. As per the 2022 version, the first player to get rid of all cards is declared the winner of the DOS game. In both cases, the gameplay and the goal to reduce cards remain the same.

What card game is similar to DOS?

DOS is often termed as a sequel to the UNO card game, which has similar game mechanics. If you want to try something new, you can also play Draw 4, which is available on MPL and resembles DOS card games in terms of core mechanics. You can also win real money on MPL through Draw 4 game!