This year marks the 50th anniversary of UNO, the enormously popular card game that is a staple in millions of households across the globe. Enjoyed by young and old alike, Uno is a beloved pastime for multiple generations. Having sold more than 150 million copies in over 80 countries, it would be difficult to find someone who had never triumphantly shouted “UNO” or grinned as they threw down a dreaded “Draw 4” card in a frenzied late-night game. Though it is now a giant in the card game industry, the brightly colored party game grew from rather humble roots in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. To help celebrate this landmark year in the game’s history, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look back at UNO’s origins.

ALTERING A CLASSIC

Merle Robbins, a barbershop owner from Reading, Ohio, enjoyed playing the classic card game Crazy Eights with his family. The goal of that game was to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in their hand. However, the game’s rules were difficult for everyone in Robbins’ family to follow. Each picture