How to Play DOS (Card Game): Rules and Strategies to Win

DOS: It’s like UNO…but with a twist! Have you mastered UNO, conquered UNO Flip, and even survived the randomness of UNO Attack, but still find yourself craving a fresh, strategic card game challenge? If so, DOS is your answer. Whether your game night crew consists of seasoned card sharks or your family looking for some competitive fun, DOS delivers a fresh take on matching mayhem. In this guide, we’re diving deep into DOS: learning the rules, mastering strategies, and picking up some pro tips to dominate the table. Get ready to yell “DOS!” because things are about to get wild.

I. What You Need to Play DOS

Ready to dive into a game of DOS? Here’s what you’ll need:

The DOS Deck: This 108-card deck is similar to UNO but packs extra punch. You’ve got your numbered cards (1-10, skipping the number 2) in four colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. Then there are the Wild # cards (two of each color) that can be any number in their respective color. But the real game-changers? The Wild DOS cards, replacing those pesky 2s and adding a whole new layer of strategy.

DOS Card Point Values:

Remember: Number cards are worth their face value, Wild DOS cards cost 20 points, and Wild # cards a hefty 40! Use those Wild cards wisely.

Players: DOS is best with 2-3 players to keep the game moving quickly.

Scorekeeping: Grab some paper and a pen to keep track of those points!

II. Objective

The goal in DOS is simple: be the first player to reach 200 points. But here’s the twist: you score points based on the cards left in your opponents’ hands at the end of each round. The faster you empty your hand and leave them holding a fistful of cards, the more points you earn.

It’s a race to 200, and every card counts!

III. Setup

Ready to play DOS? Let’s get started!

1. Choose a Dealer: Shuffle the deck and have each player draw a card. The player with the highest card becomes the dealer.
2. Deal the Cards: The dealer deals seven cards face down to each player. Players keep their cards hidden.
3. Create the Center Row: The dealer places two cards face up in the center of the playing area. This is the Center Row.
4. Form the Draw Pile: The remaining deck is placed face down next to the Center Row to create the draw pile.

Now you’re ready to play!

IV. How to Play DOS

The player to the dealer’s left takes the first turn. Their goal is to get rid of all their cards by matching them to the Center Row cards by number.

Matching Cards:

• Single Match: Match one card from your hand to a card in the Center Row with the same number (color doesn’t matter).
• Double Match: Combine two cards from your hand that add up to the number on a Center Row card (again, color doesn’t matter).

Color Match Bonuses:

If you make a match using cards of the same color, you earn a bonus:

• Single Color Match: Match the number and color of a Center Row card. Discard one additional card from your hand onto the Center Row.
• Double Color Match: Match two cards of the same color that add up to a Center Row card. Discard one additional card and each opponent draws a card!

Can’t Make a Match?

If you can’t make a match, draw a card from the draw pile.

• If you can use the drawn card, play it.
• If not, discard one card from your hand onto the Center Row.

Refilling the Center Row:

After playing matching cards, discard those cards and refill the Center Row to two cards from the draw pile.

Calling “DOS!”:

When you’re down to two cards, shout “DOS!” before playing your second-to-last card. If you forget and an opponent catches you, you must draw two cards!

Ending a Round and Scoring:

• A round ends when a player empties their hand.
• Before scoring, apply any Double Color Match bonuses (opponents draw cards).
• Players count the points of cards remaining in their hand:
  • Number cards: Face value
  • Wild DOS card: 20 points
  • Wild # card: 40 points
• The player who went out gets those points.

Winning the Game:

The first player to reach 200 points wins!

V. Strategies for Winning DOS

Ready to turn those DOS dreams into a winning reality? Let’s strategize!

Early Game: Play it Cool

• Low and Slow: In the early game, focus on playing those low-value cards. Trust me, no one’s building a card-castle-of-victory with a 3.
• Wild Card Hoarders: Those Wild # and Wild DOS cards? Treat them like gold—because in DOS, they basically are. Don’t waste them early on unless absolutely necessary. Their time will come.

Mid-Game: Get Sneaky

• Mind Games: DOS is all about outsmarting your opponents. Pay close attention to their discards – it’s like a window into their hand (and their soul, maybe). See they just tossed a blue 6? Keep that in mind when you consider your own plays.
• Color Match Domination: Use those Single and Double Color Match bonuses to your advantage. There’s nothing more satisfying than forcing everyone else to draw cards while you sit there, smugly sipping your beverage.

Late Game: Finish Strong

• Unleash the Power: When you’re down to the wire with only a few cards, it’s time to unleash the high-value cards. Watch your opponents sweat as they try to find matches for your 9 or 10.
• Wild Card Blitz: Remember those Wild cards you were hoarding? Now’s the time to use them strategically. Block an opponent who’s getting too close to “DOS!” Force a last-minute draw. Or use them to create that glorious final match and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
• Don’t Forget to Shout! Speaking of victory, whatever you do, don’t forget to call “DOS!” when you’re down to your last two cards. The last thing you need is a two-card penalty when you’re so close to winning.

Remember: DOS is a game of both luck and strategy. Mastering the art of Wild card play and paying close attention to your opponents will give you a serious edge. Now go forth and dominate those DOS nights!

VI. Variations and House Rules

DOS is a blast right out of the box, but hey, who doesn’t love a little rule-bending mayhem? Here’s how to customize your game for maximum fun:

Point Limit Makeover:

• DOS Dash: Short on time? Crank up the pressure with a lightning-fast game to 100 points.
• DOS Marathon: Feeling ambitious? Settle in for an epic battle of wits to 300 points.
• Custom Point Goals: The power is in your hands! Adjust the point goal to fit your group’s time, energy levels, and thirst for card-slinging glory.

“Draw Until You Can Play” Rule:

Hold onto your hats (and your cards) because this rule is wild. Can’t make a match on your turn? Too bad! Keep drawing until you find one, even if it means ending up with a hand that could rival a small country. This adds a huge dose of unpredictability and some seriously swollen hands (not literally, hopefully).

Custom Action Cards:

Time to get those creative juices flowing! Grab some blank index cards, sticky notes, or whatever you can scribble on, and create your own action cards:

• Swap Hands: Choose a worthy opponent and swap your ENTIRE hand of cards with theirs! Talk about a game-changer.
• Double Down: The next player has to match DOUBLE the value shown on a Center Row card. Think they can pull it off?
• Wild Card Draw: Make everyone draw a card, but here’s the kicker – you decide what kind: number card, Wild DOS, or Wild #. A little chaos never hurt anyone, right?

DOS Champions League:

Ready to take your DOS nights to the next level? Turn them into a season-long tournament!

• Track Those Points: Keep a running tally of points over multiple games.
• Bonus Points Bonanza: Award bonus points for those glorious moments: most Double Color Matches, finishing a round with zero cards, or maybe even pulling off the impossible “Swap Hands” comeback.
• Crowning Glory: At the end of your season, crown a DOS Champion! Bragging rights, a tiny trophy, a celebratory interpretive dance – the possibilities are endless!

So there you have it – a whole buffet of DOS variations to spice up your game nights. Get creative, experiment, and most importantly, have a blast!