To begin, each player is dealt seven cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in the center of the playing area to form the draw pile.
Gameplay
The player to the left of the dealer begins by playing a card from their hand face Up in the center of the playing area. The next player must then play a card that is either the same type of card (e.g. a dinosaur card) or the same colour (e.g. a Blue alien card). If a player does not have a card to play, they must draw from the draw pile until they can play a card.
Once a card is played, the next player must play a card that is either the same type of card or the same colour. If a player cannot play a card, they must draw from the draw pile until they can play a card.
The first player to get rid of all of their cards wins the game.
Variations
THere are several variations of Dinosaurs and Aliens. For example, some players may choose to play with a two-card Draw instead of a one-card draw. Additionally, some players may choose to play with a discard pile instead of a draw pile.
Another variation is to play with a “wild card”. This is a card that can be used as either a dinosaur or an alien card, regardless of the colour.
Finally, some players may choose to play with a “reverse” rule. This means that the direction of play is reversed when a card is played. For example, if the first player plays a dinosaur card, the next player must play an alien card instead of a dinosaur card.