Can a discard card replace a face-down card?
Yes. The top discard may replace either a face-up or face-down card.
Answer in context
Taking the discard commits you to a swap. Put it face up in the chosen hidden position and place the old hidden card face up on the discard pile.
The top of the discard pile is a 1. You take it and put it over a face-down card in your grid. The hidden card turns out to be a 9, so you are eight points better off. Had it been a -2, you would have made your grid three points worse and there is no taking it back.
Do not reveal the hidden card first and then decide whether to continue. The choice of position comes before learning its value.
This answer is for Classic Skyjo unless stated otherwise. Action and Junior may use different mechanics, and Voyage follows the original Classic gameplay.
Written in our own words and checked against the official rulebook. Skyjo.co.uk is an independent guide, not affiliated with Magilano. Spot an error? Tell us and we fix it.