How to Play Nertz - Card Game Setup and Rules

Introduction

Card games have been a source of entertainment for centuries, and among the unlimited options available, Nert stands out as an engaging game that combines speed, skill, and strategy.  

Here’s everything you need to know about this highly engaging card game.

What is Nerts?

Nerts, known as Pounce or Racing Demon, is a fast-paced multiplayer card game. The players compete to build foundations (Ace to King in ascending order) in a shared area, similar to Solitaire. Each player has his own deck and works to form a personal ‘Nerts’ pile by playing cards onto foundations or his own tableau. Points are awarded based on cards played, and the game continues until a player reaches a predetermined score.

Objective

The goal is to be the first player to eliminate all the cards in your Nerts pile while scoring points.

How to Play Nerts Card Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Nerts is typically played with 2-6 players, each with their own standard 52-card deck.
• Each player has a uniquely identifiable deck (different backs or markings).
• You will need a large table or surface where all players can reach a common area for foundation piles.

1. Card Arrangement:

Nerts Pile: Deal 13 cards face down into a stack. The top card of this stack is turned face up. This is your Nerts pile.

Work Piles: Beside your Nerts pile, deal 4 cards face up in a row. These are your work piles.

Remaining Cards: Hold the rest of your deck in your hand as a stockpile, face down.

2. Starting the Game:

• There is no turn-taking. Everyone plays simultaneously. Once everyone is ready, one player says, ‘Go!’ and the game begins.
• You can move cards around your work piles or place them in foundation piles.

3. Playing Cards:

• Foundation Piles: In the centre of the table, any player can start a foundation pile with an Ace and build it up in ascending order (A, 2, 3, ..., K) in the same suit.
• Work Piles: You can move cards around your four work piles in descending order and alternating colours (red-black-red-black). For example, you can place a black 7 on a red 8.
• Stockpile: Draw three cards at a time from your stockpile and try to place the top card in either a foundation pile or a work pile. If you cannot use the top card, set it aside and continue drawing until you can.

4. Get Rid of the Cards:

Your primary goal is to move cards from your Nerts pile onto your work or foundation piles. The game continues until one player removes all the cards in their Nerts pile.

5. Ending the Game: 

When a player clears their entire Nerts pile, he shouts, ‘Nerts!’. This ends the round.

6. Scoring:

• Foundation Points: Count the cards you played in the foundation piles (1 point per card).
• Nerts Penalty: Subtract 2 points for each card remaining in your Nerts pile.
• Total: Your score for the round is Foundation Points minus Nerts Penalty.

7. Winning the Game:

The game continues for multiple rounds until a player reaches a predetermined score, usually 100 or 150 points.

Variation of Nerts Card Game

Here are some of the most common variations of the game:

Different Numbers of Work Piles:

• Fewer Work Piles: Some players reduce the number of work piles from 4 to 3, making it more challenging to move cards around.
• More Work Piles: Increasing the number of work piles (e.g., 5 or 6) can make the game slightly easier and provide more options for moving cards.

Team Nerts:

• Partner Play: Players work together as a team, sharing a Nerts pile and work piles. However, each player still draws from their own stockpile.
• Shared Foundation: In this version, teammates can play on each other’s foundation piles.

Multiple Decks:

• Two Decks per Player: For larger groups or more advanced gameplay, players can use two decks each. This doubles the number of cards, increasing the length of each round.

Custom Scoring Systems:

• Bonus Points: Players can earn bonus points for clearing their Nerts pile quickly or playing certain high-value cards in the foundation piles (e.g., 10 points for being the first to play a King).
• Negative Points: Instead of subtracting 2 points per remaining Nerts card, some versions impose a harsher penalty, such as 5 points per card, making it even more crucial to clear the Nerts pile.

Time Limit Variation:

• Timed Rounds: Set a time limit (e.g., 2 or 3 minutes) for each round. When time runs out, players count the cards in their Nerts pile and score accordingly, even if no one has called ‘Nerts’.
• Speed Nerts: In this fast-paced version, players are given a strict time limit for the entire game, not just each round. The player with the highest score when time is up wins.

Wild Cards:

• Jokers as Wild Cards: Add Jokers to the deck and use them as wild cards. They can be placed anywhere in the foundation piles, substituting for any suit card. 

One-Person Nerts (Solitaire Nerts):

• Solo Play: You can play Nerts using the same rules, focusing on speed and strategy to beat your time or reach a certain score. This is a great way to practice or enjoy the game when no one else is available.

Strategies to Win in Nerts Card Game

Here are some strategies to help you improve your odds of winning:

1. Organize Your Space: Keep your play area organized. Have separate piles for each player's Nerts and draw piles to avoid confusion and speed up play.
2. Prioritize Quick Moves: The game is fast-paced, so make decisions quickly. Move cards from your Nerts pile to the centre piles as soon as possible. The quicker you clear your Nerts pile, the better.
3. Use the Stock Pile Wisely: Draw from your stockpile strategically. Sometimes, drawing a card, even if you don’t need it immediately, is better, as it might help in future moves.
4. Focus on Building Foundations: Build up the foundation piles in the centre as quickly as possible. This will free up your cards and give you more opportunities for moves.
5. Watch Your Opponents: Pay attention to what cards your opponents are drawing and playing. Anticipate their moves if you see them working towards certain cards or foundations.
6. Plan Ahead: Think a few moves ahead. If you move a card to the centre pile, consider how it will affect your ability to move other cards or how it might help your opponents.
7. Use the Nerts Pile Effectively: Only move cards from your Nerts pile if it will lead to a meaningful play. Sometimes, waiting until you can make multiple moves with the card is better.
8. Keep an Eye on All the Piles: Monitor all piles and foundations (yours and your opponents’) to ensure you make the most strategic decisions.
9. Utilize Empty Spaces: If you have an empty space in your tableau, use it to help move cards around more effectively, especially if it allows you to free up valuable cards.
10. Practice and Familiarity: The more you play, the better you will get at spotting patterns and making quick decisions. Practice regularly to improve your speed and strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Nert?

The primary objective of this card game is to be the first player to discard all of your cards. The game is played in rounds, and each round ends when a player successfully discards all his cards. The game can involve multiple rounds; the overall winner is the player with the most rounds won or accumulating the highest points.

How many players can play Nert?

Nert is designed for 2 to 4 players, making it versatile for small and larger groups. The game scales well with the number of players, though more participants may require additional decks to maintain the game's pace and ensure an adequate card supply. 

Can Nert be played with multiple decks?

Yes, Nert can be played with multiple decks, especially when accommodating more than four players. Just be sure to shuffle the decks thoroughly and adjust the rules to fit the number of decks used.

Conclusion

Nert combines speed and strategy, maintaining player engagement throughout the game. Due to its focus on fast decision-making and efficient card handling, every turn demands focus and thoughtful planning. Nert provides a thrilling experience while offering challenging gameplay, making it an excellent option for players searching for a high-energy addition to their game collection.