Ninety-Nine (1974) Board Game

Ninety-Nine, a card game designed by David Parlett, was first released in in 1974. It is a trick-taking game that involves players bidding on the number of tricks they think they can win in each round. The game has gained popularity over the years for its simple rules and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Ninety-Nine

Deck: Uses a reduced deck for 2-3 players (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A) or the entire 52-card deck for 4 players.

Cards: Excludes 2-5 in the reduced deck versions.

Dummy Hand: In 2-player versions, a pseudo-player hand is used.

Trump Suit Indicator: Can include a joker or a turn-up card to determine trump suit.

How To Setup Ninety-Nine

To set up Ninety-Nine, start by shuffling the deck. For 2-3 players, deal 12 cards to each player, while for 4 players, deal 13 cards to each player. In the 2-player version, also deal a dummy hand. Determine the trump suit based on the previous round’s winners or by turning up a card from the deck. If the turned-up card is a joker or a nine, the game is played with no trumps.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding: Players bid by discarding three cards from their hand to predict the number of tricks they will win.

Trick-Taking: Players must follow suit if possible and win tricks. Trump cards override suit-led cards.

Objective: Win exactly the number of tricks bid to earn bonus points.

Scoring: Earn points for each trick won, with significant bonuses for meeting the exact bid number.

Bonuses:
– One player succeeding: 30 points
– Two players succeeding: 20 points each
– Three players succeeding: 10 points each
– Declaration: +30 points if successful
– Revelation: +60 points if successful

Player Experience

Playing Ninety-Nine involves strategic bidding and trick-taking. Players need to carefully discard cards to make their bid, considering the trump suit and the cards they retain. The game requires a balance between getting rid of middle cards and voiding suits to maximize chances of winning the exact number of tricks bid. The dynamic nature of the game, especially with the dummy hand in 2-player versions, adds complexity and excitement.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and estimation.

Dynamic Gameplay: Trump suit changes and dummy hand add variability.

Social Interaction: Encourages strategic thinking and communication among players.

Replayability: High due to the numerous combinations of cards and bids.

Cons

Complex Setup: Bidding mechanism can be confusing for new players.

Lengthy Games: Multiple rounds can make the game lengthy.

Luck Factor: Card distribution can significantly affect gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Ninety-Nine

Ninety-Nine is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games and are looking for a challenge. It is best suited for those who appreciate the intricacies of trick-taking and bidding mechanisms. The game is great for small groups, particularly 2-4 players, and offers a good balance between strategy and luck. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to card games due to its complex setup and gameplay mechanics.

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