The first time my then boyfriend (now husband) played cards with my family, they introduced us to this fast paced card game that keeps you on your toes. Speed and math are needed to win 99.
99 is as fast paced as Ratuki, Spoons and Blink. it can be over and one in just two cards or it can be a slow climb but when it hits 99 things start to fly. That same night, they also taught us Blind Poker and it’s a wonder that he ever played cards again with us!
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What you Need for the Card Game 99
To play 99 you need a deck of cards with the jokers removed and three chips or markers for each player. If you need some new cards, check out the selection here; Canadians here. We think the Crazy Chicken Lady ones are fun looking!
The Object
The object of 99 is to be the last player with chips left. This is done by playing cards and not busting, or going over the count of 99.
Playing 99 Card Game
To start, each player gets three chips and is dealt three cards. The remaining deck is placed in the middle of the playing area where all players can reach it.
The first player to the dealer’s left goes first. She chooses a card from her hand, lays it down on the table and announces the count. If she plays a nine then she says, “Nine.” She picks up a card off the draw pile and play moves to the next player.
The second player then chooses a card to add to the count. For example, if he chooses a 6, he lays it on the table and announces,” 15.”
This continues until the count reaches 99. At that point, players have to either play a Jack, King, 4 or 10.
The Cards
There are a few special cards in 99. (This is a very old, popular game and there are many variations when it comes to what cards do what. I’m shoeing you how I learned.)
First, Jacks are 99. You can play a jack at any time and it is 99, no matter what the current count is.
Next, Kings are “stays the same.” This means that the count stays at the number that it was on the first players turn. Example if the count is at 38 and you play a king the next player counts from 38.
Next is 10. Tens are the only cards that lower the count instead of increase it. When a ten is played, the player subtracts 10 points from the count. If the count is 99 then a ten takes it to 89. If the count is at 87 then a ten takes it to 77.
Last of the special cards is the 4. When a four is played, the direction of play is then reversed. If the play is going clockwise and a four is played then the play reverses and is now going counter-clockwise.
All other cards are worth their face value. So a 2 is worth 2 and a 7 is worth 7. Queens are worth 10 points. Aces can count either as 1 or 11, chosen by the player.
Bust
If the count is at 99 and a player can not play, then she busts. She places one of her chips in the middle and the cards are shuffled and round two begins.
Forgetting to Pick Up
Once you have played your card, it is your responsibility to remember to pick up a card off the draw pile. If you forget and the next player plays his turn, then you are down a card for the rest of the round. (This is a hard lesson to learn as your options are greatly impacted by this mistake.)
Losing All Chips
When a player loses three rounds and loses all of his chips, then he out of the game. However, if a dealer deals you in, then you get to play.
Winning 99
To win 99, you need to be the last player standing. That is the last player with chips.
It All Adds up to Fun
99 is a face paced card game that is easy to play and is intense. It can be played with just two players or a large group; the fun is the same. The time needed to play depends on how many players you have but is usually quick. For some great fun, try 99 at your next game night. If you want the printable rules for 99, click here.
For more fun, see our card games, dice games and board game reviews. And for tons of fun visit our Family Game Shelf shop for seasonal and original games.
Pros: easy, little set up, fast, mix of luck and skill
Cons: can be intense, quick addition needed
Mom: MATH!, observation, stagey,
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