NINETY NINE – A Unique Card Game for Three Players

Hey there, let me introduce you to a fun and challenging card game called Ninety Nine. It was created by the talented David Parlett. In this game, three players compete against each other to win tricks and meet their bids precisely. Not only do players score points for capturing tricks, but they also have a chance to earn bonus points for making accurate bids. Get ready for a game that will keep you on your toes!

The Deck and the Deal – A Unique Set of Cards

Ninety Nine is played with a special deck of cards. This deck consists of 52 cards, just like a standard deck, but with a twist. Each suit contains cards numbered from 6 to Ace, and there is also one Joker in the mix. So, it’s a unique deck that adds an extra element of excitement to the game.

To determine the dealer for each round, players cut the deck and reveal the highest card. The chosen dealer then deals out 12 cards to each player. The last remaining card is placed face-up on the side. This card is known as the “turn-up card” and will play a special role during the game.

When we play a round of the game, the turn-up card is really important. It tells us what suit is the trump for that round. However, if the turn-up card happens to be a Joker or a 9, then there is no trump suit for that round. It’s like a free-for-all!

How Do We Play?

Bidding

Before we start playing, we need to bid. Bidding is when we try to guess how many tricks we can win. A trick is when we play a card and everyone else has to play a card, too. If you bid correctly, you need to win exactly the number of tricks you guessed. But be careful, if you win too many tricks or not enough, you’ll lose points!

When we bid, we have to do it secretly. We pick three cards from our hand and place them face down on the table. Each suit has a value: Diamonds is worth 0, Spades is worth 1, Hearts is worth 2, and Clubs is worth 3. The total value of the three cards we choose has to match our bid. For example, if we bid 5, we could choose a Diamond, a Heart, and a Club. That would add up to 5. Or, we could choose three Heart cards, which would also equal a bid of 5. The choice is up to us!

Premium Bids

When it’s my turn to play, I have a chance to increase my potential points by declaring my bid. I do this by flipping my bid cards over for everyone to see. But I can only declare if I’m the player to the left of the dealer — I can’t jump ahead.

If someone already declared, I can try to outbid them by offering to reveal. This means I play the round with my hand turned up on the table. But just like declaring, only one player can reveal, and it starts with the person to the left of the dealer.

THE FIRST TRICK

Now let’s talk about what happens when the first trick begins. The player to the left of the dealer starts things off. As we go around the table, each player must follow the suit of the card that was led, if they have cards in that suit. If not, they can play any card. The highest card in the suit that was led, or the highest trump card, wins the trick.

We keep playing tricks until all nine of them are captured.

JOKER

Did you know that the value of the Joker card in a round of cards is always the same as the turn-up card? It’s true! Let me explain.

Scorekeeping

When we play cards, we earn points for each trick we win. And if we successfully match our bid, we get bonus points too!

Let’s say there are three players. If all three players meet their bid, they each earn 10 points. If only two players meet their bid, those two players earn 20 points each. And if just one player meets their bid, that player earns an extra 30 points!

When you declare your bid, you earn a bonus based on your bid. But that’s not all! You also get an extra 30 points on top of your bonus. It’s like a nice little reward for being confident in your abilities.

Now, if you decide to reveal your hand, things get even more exciting. You not only get the bonus for meeting your bid, but you also earn an additional 60 points. It’s a big boost to your score and a great way to show off your skills.

But here’s the twist. If you fail to meet your bid as the declarer or revealer, those bonus points go to your opponents. Ouch! It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it adds an element of risk and reward to the game.

So, Who Wins?

After 9 rounds of intense play, the player with the highest score emerges victorious. They get the crown and the bragging rights. It’s a thrilling moment and a testament to their strategy and skill.

If you want to dive deeper into the world of Rook, including different strategies and rule variations, head over to David Parlett’s site. He’s got all the information you need to take your game to the next level.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cards, gather your friends, and get ready for an exhilarating game of Rook. It’s time to show off your bidding skills and claim the title of Rook champion!