Skyoo frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know to play Skyoo: starting a game, the rules, a few strategy tips and the app.
Playing
How do I start a game of Skyoo?
Open Skyoo, pick a nickname and an avatar, then click "Play solo" to face bots, "Create a game" to invite your friends, or "Public games" to join players who are waiting.
Can I play Skyoo alone?
Yes. In a solo game you play against 1 to 7 bots, without waiting for anyone. You choose how many and the rules before starting.
How do I play with friends remotely?
Click "Create a game": a 6-character code appears, with a button to copy the link. Send it to your friends; they join from their browser, wherever they are. The host starts the game when everyone is there.
How do I join a public game?
Open "Public games": the list shows the games waiting for players, with their free seats and target score. Click "Join". You can also create your own public game.
What happens if I lose my connection during a game?
Your seat is kept. If you come back through the same link within a minute, you pick up where you left off; otherwise a bot plays for you until you return.
Can I resume a solo game later?
Yes. The solo game in progress is kept in your browser: go back to "Play solo" and the "Resume" button brings it back where you left it.
Rules
How many cards does each player have?
Each player has 12 face-down cards laid out in a grid of 3 rows and 4 columns, and flips 2 of them at the start of the round. The host can change the grid size.
What are the Skyoo cards worth?
The deck has 150 cards from -2 to 12: five -2, ten -1, fifteen 0 and ten of each value from 1 to 12. Negative cards lower your score.
When is a column cleared?
As soon as three face-up cards of the same value are in one column, the whole column goes to the discard pile. Its points no longer count, and its space stays empty until the end of the round.
When does a round end?
When a player has flipped all their cards at the end of their turn. Every other player then plays one last turn, all cards are flipped and points are counted.
What is the finisher's penalty?
The player who ended the round must have the strictly lowest round score. Otherwise their round score is doubled, unless it is zero or negative.
When does a game of Skyoo end?
After a round, as soon as a player reaches 100 points or more in total. The player with the fewest points wins. The host can choose another target score.
Strategy
What is the best strategy in Skyoo?
Replace your highest cards first, keep your -2, -1 and 0 cards, and watch the discard pile: a card that completes a column of three identical cards clears the whole column. Also watch which cards your opponents keep or throw away.
Should I end the round as fast as possible?
Not always. Ending gives the others a last turn, and if you don't have the lowest score, yours is doubled. End the round when you are almost sure to have the fewest points.
App and data
Can I install Skyoo as an app?
Yes. On Android and desktop, use the "Install the app" button or the browser menu. On iPhone and iPad, tap Share then "Add to Home Screen". Skyoo then opens full screen, like an app.
Does Skyoo work offline?
The solo game works offline once you have opened it with a connection: the game and the page stay on your device. Online games with other players need the Internet.
Does Skyoo collect my data?
Almost nothing: no account, no email, no ads and no trackers. Your nickname and avatar stay in your browser; the server only knows them for the length of an online game.
How do I report a problem or a nickname?
Use the "Report a problem" link at the bottom of every page, giving the game code if needed.