Are you ready to learn one of the most popular card games in the world? 99, also known as ‘Fish’, is a fast-paced and exciting game that can be played with two to six players. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards by playing them onto a central pile. Sounds easy, right? But don’t be fooled, this game is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to become a 99 pro. So, let’s get started and dive into the world of 99!
Setting Up the Game
Dealing the Cards
In order to begin playing 99, the first step is to deal the cards to each player. The dealer should distribute three cards to each player, ensuring that each player receives their cards one at a time. After all players have received their three cards, the remaining cards are placed face down in the middle of the table.
It is important to note that the order in which the cards are dealt is not specified in the rules of the game. As such, players may choose to shuffle the deck and deal the cards in any order they wish, or they may opt to deal the cards one at a time in a specific order.
Once the cards have been dealt, players should take a moment to examine their hand and consider their strategy for the game. The remaining cards in the middle of the table are referred to as the “kitty,” and players may choose to draw cards from the kitty at various points during the game.
It is also worth noting that some variations of 99 may require players to discard one or more cards from their hand before the game begins. In these cases, players should follow the specific rules for discarding cards as outlined in the variation they are playing.
Determining the 99
To determine the 99, players must first draw a card from the deck, one at a time, starting with the player to the dealer’s left. Each player must keep their card hidden from the other players.
Once all players have drawn a card, the next step is to determine which player has the 99. The player to the dealer’s left starts the game, and the first player to play a card with a value of 99 wins the game.
It is important to note that players are not allowed to look at each other’s cards, and the deck should be shuffled after each game. The game can be played with two to four players, and the rules remain the same.
To win the game, a player must play a card with a value of 99, and they must do so before any other player plays a card with a value of 99. The game can be fast-paced and exciting, and it requires strategy and skill to win.
Scoring
To begin with, scoring in the game of 99 is determined by the cards that each player has captured. Each card has a different point value, with the face cards (King, Queen, Jack) being worth ten points each, and the numbered cards (2-9) being worth their respective number of points.
When a player captures a card from the center pile, it is added to their hand and their score is increased by the value of the card. For example, if a player captures a 5 of clubs, their score would increase by 5 points.
It’s important to note that the cards in a player’s hand are not included in their score at the end of the game. Only the cards that have been captured from the center pile are counted towards a player’s total score.
The game of 99 is won by being the first player to reach 50 points. Once a player reaches this threshold, they are declared the winner and the game ends. It’s crucial to keep track of the scores of all players throughout the game to determine the winner.
Playing the Game
Playing Cards
Before beginning the game, it is important to familiarize oneself with the rules and objective of 99. This card game is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards, without the joker. The objective of the game is to be the first player to play a card with a value of 99.
At the start of the game, each player is dealt five cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in the middle of the table to form a draw pile. The player to the dealer’s left goes first, and gameplay continues clockwise.
During their turn, a player must draw one card from the draw pile and then discard one card from their hand face up on top of the discard pile. If a player has no cards left in their hand, they must draw a card from the draw pile without discarding.
The value of the cards in 99 is as follows:
- Numbered cards: 1 to 9
- Face cards: 10, 11, and 12 (known as “counts”)
When a player plays a card with a value of 99, they win the round and score a point. The game continues until a player reaches a predetermined number of points, such as 11 or 21, depending on the variant being played.
It is important to note that if a player does not have a card with a value of 99 in their hand, they must draw from the draw pile and continue to play until they do have a 99. The game can be challenging, as players must strategize and manage their cards to ensure they are the first to play a 99.
Capturing Cards
When playing 99, capturing cards is an essential part of the game. To capture cards, players must follow these rules:
- If a player captures all the cards in the middle, they can add them to their score pile. This is known as a “call.”
- Players can also capture cards from other players’ score piles. This is known as a “run.”
To make a run, a player must have both the upper and lower card of a capture combination. For example, if a player has the 7 of Clubs and the 6 of Diamonds, they can capture the 7 of Diamonds and the 6 of Clubs from another player’s score pile.
Players can also make multiple runs in one turn, as long as they have the required capture combinations. For example, if a player has the 7 of Clubs, the 6 of Diamonds, and the 5 of Spades, they can capture all three cards from another player’s score pile.
It’s important to note that a player can only make a run if they have the required capture combinations in their hand. If a player attempts to make a run without the necessary cards, they must pass their turn.
Capturing cards is a strategic part of the game, as it allows players to score points and reduce their opponents’ scores. To be successful at capturing cards, players must pay attention to the cards that have been played and be prepared to make runs when the opportunity arises.
Blocking
In the game of 99, players can block an opponent’s move by playing a card with a higher value. This is an important aspect of the game as it can disrupt an opponent’s strategy and give the player an advantage.
However, there are some rules to blocking in 99. A player can only block a move if they have a card with a higher value in their hand. This means that a player cannot simply choose to block an opponent’s move without having the necessary card to do so.
Additionally, a player can only block a move if it is their turn. A player cannot block an opponent’s move during their opponent’s turn. This is because the game is played in a clockwise direction, and each player takes turns in a specific order.
It is also important to note that a player can only block a move if it is a valid move. A move is considered valid if it follows the rules of the game, such as being able to place a card on the table without exceeding the limit of 99 points.
Overall, blocking is an important aspect of the game of 99, but it requires careful strategy and planning. Players must have the necessary cards in their hand and be aware of the rules of the game in order to successfully block an opponent’s move.
Strategies and Tactics
Building a Score Pile
One of the main objectives of the card game 99 is to build a strong score pile. To achieve this, players should aim to capture cards with high values, such as 9s and 7s. These cards have a high value and can significantly increase a player’s score.
In addition to capturing high-value cards, players should also try to block their opponents’ moves. This can be done by playing lower-value cards, such as 2s and 3s, which can prevent opponents from capturing high-value cards and building their own score pile.
Players should also be strategic in the cards they choose to play. For example, if a player has a 9 and a 7 in their hand, they may choose to play the 7 first to prevent their opponent from capturing the 9.
It is also important for players to pay attention to the cards that have already been played. By keeping track of the cards on the table, players can anticipate their opponents’ moves and plan their own strategy accordingly.
Overall, building a strong score pile requires careful planning, strategic play, and a good understanding of the game’s rules and tactics. By following these guidelines, players can increase their chances of winning the card game 99.
Timing
Timing is a crucial aspect of the card game 99. Players must time their moves carefully to avoid being blocked by their opponents. It is essential to consider the cards that have already been played and the cards that are still in the deck.
Players should also be aware of when their opponents are likely to play a card with a high value. By predicting their opponents’ moves, players can anticipate and plan their own moves accordingly.
Another important aspect of timing is knowing when to hold onto a card. Players should consider the cards that are still in the deck and whether or not they have a chance of winning the game. If a player has a high-value card, they may want to wait until their opponents have played a few cards before playing their card to maximize its impact.
Players should also be mindful of the game’s pace. If the game is moving too quickly, players may want to slow down the pace by taking longer to make their moves. On the other hand, if the game is moving too slowly, players may want to speed up the pace by playing more cards.
In summary, timing is a critical aspect of the card game 99. Players must time their moves carefully, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and be mindful of the game’s pace to increase their chances of winning.
Bluffing
Bluffing is a tactic that players can use to try and trick their opponents into thinking they have a lower score than they actually do. This can be done by playing a card with a lower value than the player actually has.
When bluffing, it is important to consider the following:
- The current score of the player and the other players
- The cards that have already been played
- The cards that are still in the player’s hand
- The cards that are still in the deck
Players should also be aware of their body language and tone of voice when bluffing, as these can give away their true intentions.
It is important to note that bluffing is a risky tactic, as if the player is caught bluffing, they will lose the round. Therefore, it is important to use this tactic sparingly and only when the player has a good chance of getting away with it.
Additionally, players should also be aware of their opponents’ bluffing tactics and try to call their bluff if they suspect that they are bluffing. This can be done by paying attention to their body language, tone of voice, and the cards that they have played.
Overall, bluffing can be a powerful tactic in the game of 99, but it should be used with caution and only when the player has a good chance of getting away with it.
Winning the Game
The first player to reach 50 points wins the game. Therefore, players should focus on building a strong score pile to increase their chances of winning. Here are some strategies and tactics to consider when playing 99:
- Keep an eye on the score piles: Players should pay attention to the score piles and try to capture cards that will help them reach 50 points faster. For example, if a player knows that their opponent has a lot of high-value cards in their score pile, they may want to capture those cards to prevent their opponent from scoring.
- Play defensively: In addition to capturing high-value cards, players should also play defensively by blocking their opponent’s moves. For example, if a player knows that their opponent is trying to capture a certain card, they may want to play a lower-value card to prevent their opponent from doing so.
- Use the draw pile strategically: Players should also use the draw pile strategically to their advantage. For example, if a player knows that their opponent is running out of cards, they may want to draw from the draw pile to prevent their opponent from capturing any more cards.
- Keep an eye on the discard pile: Players should also pay attention to the discard pile and try to capture cards that their opponent may have played. For example, if a player sees that their opponent has played a high-value card, they may want to capture that card from the discard pile to add to their score pile.
By using these strategies and tactics, players can increase their chances of winning the game of 99.
Variations and Alternatives
Two-Player Variation
In the two-player variation of the game, players take turns dealing the cards and playing the game. The first player to reach 50 points wins the game. Here are the rules for the two-player variation:
Dealing the Cards
At the start of the game, shuffle the deck of cards and deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards in a pile face down, this is called the “stock pile”.
Playing the Game
Each player can play a card from their hand by matching the value of the last card played by the previous player. For example, if the previous player played a six of hearts, the next player can play a six of clubs. If a player does not have a card to play, they must draw a card from the stock pile.
The cards have the following values:
- Aces are worth one point
- Two through nine are worth their face value
- Tens, jacks, queens, and kings are worth ten points each
Players can also play special cards, such as the “99” card, which is worth 50 points, or the “Kitt” card, which allows the player to change the trump suit.
Scoring
Each player scores points for the cards they have played, with the exception of the “99” card, which is not scored. The first player to reach 50 points wins the game.
In the two-player variation, the game can be played with two standard decks of cards, without the need for any special cards. This variation is perfect for two players who want to enjoy a quick and exciting game of 99.
Team Variation
- Players are divided into teams: The game can be played with multiple teams, each comprising of 3-5 players.
- Teams take turns playing cards and trying to capture cards from the middle: Each team takes turns to play a card from their hand, and the team with the highest card value wins the round and captures the cards in the middle.
- The first team to reach 50 points wins the game: The game continues until one team reaches 50 points, and the team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
In this variation, the objective of the game is still to capture all the cards in the middle, but the added element of team play adds a new level of strategy and competition. The teams must work together to play their cards strategically and try to prevent the other teams from capturing the cards in the middle. The game can also be customized to suit the number of players and the amount of time available, making it a versatile and enjoyable game for all ages.
FAQs
1. What is 99 the card game?
99 is a fast-paced, simple card game that is popular in many countries around the world. It is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards, and the objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
2. How many players can play 99?
99 can be played with two to six players. The number of players determines the amount of cards dealt to each player.
3. How are the cards dealt in 99?
In 99, each player is dealt five cards to start the game. The remaining cards are placed face down in the middle of the table to form a draw pile.
4. How do you score points in 99?
In 99, players score points by getting rid of all their cards. Each player starts with five cards, and the objective is to get rid of all five cards by playing them to the center pile. When a player plays all five cards, they score 50 points.
5. How do you play a card in 99?
To play a card in 99, a player must have five cards in their hand. They can then choose to play one card from their hand to the center pile. The card must be played on top of the previous card, and the player must announce the value of the card they are playing. For example, if a player plays a five, they must say “99.”
6. What happens if a player does not have five cards in their hand?
If a player does not have five cards in their hand, they cannot play a card to the center pile. Instead, they must draw a card from the draw pile.
7. What happens if a player has no cards left in their hand?
If a player has no cards left in their hand, they must draw a card from the draw pile. If the draw pile is empty, the player must wait until their turn comes up again.
8. What happens when the draw pile runs out of cards?
When the draw pile runs out of cards, the game ends. The player who got rid of all their cards scores 50 points, and the game is reset for the next round.
9. Can you play multiple cards at once in 99?
No, players can only play one card at a time in 99. Players must wait until their turn comes up again to play another card.
10. Can you play a card on top of another card in 99?
No, players can only play a card on top of the previous card in the center pile. If a player tries to play a card on top of a card that is not the previous card, they must take the card back into their hand and draw a new card from the draw pile.
