Play Nine, also known as Klondike, is a classic solitaire card game enjoyed by millions worldwide. Its simple rules belie a surprisingly challenging and engaging gameplay experience. This guide will cover the basic rules and some strategies to help you master this timeless game.
What You Need to Play Nine
You'll only need a standard 52-card deck of playing cards. No special equipment or additional players are required.
The Goal of Play Nine
The objective of Play Nine is to build up four foundation piles, one for each suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades), in ascending order from Ace to King. Once all four foundation piles are complete, you've won the game!
Setting Up the Game
- Deal the Cards: Deal seven columns of cards face down, with the last card of each column turned face up. This forms the tableau.
- Reserve Pile: Place the remaining cards face down to create the stock or reserve pile.
- Foundation Piles: Leave four empty spaces above the tableau to represent the foundation piles.
Gameplay: Moving Cards
Tableau Piles: You can only move cards of alternating colors (red on black, black on red). For example, you can place a red 7 on a black 8, or a black 5 on a red 6. Cards must be moved in descending order. You can move multiple cards at once if they form a descending sequence of alternating colors.
Foundation Piles: You build foundation piles up in ascending order within the same suit. For example, you can place a 2 of Hearts on an Ace of Hearts, then a 3 of Hearts on the 2, and so on.
Empty Tableau Piles: Empty columns in the tableau can only be filled with a King or a sequence of cards beginning with a King.
Stock Pile: Turn over the top card of the stock pile and place it face up on the tableau. Once the stock pile is exhausted, you can flip it over and use it again, repeating this process until you win or run out of moves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I win at Play Nine?
You win by successfully moving all cards to the four foundation piles, arranging them in ascending order from Ace to King within each suit.
What happens if I get stuck?
If you run out of moves in the tableau and the stock pile offers no helpful cards, it's unfortunately a lost game. Try using different strategies next time!
Can I move cards from the foundation back to the tableau?
No, once a card is placed in a foundation pile, it cannot be moved.
Is there a strategy to winning Play Nine?
While there's no guaranteed strategy to win every game, focusing on building long sequences in the tableau, strategically using the stock pile, and carefully planning your moves to the foundation piles significantly increases your chances of winning.
Are there variations of Play Nine?
Yes, several variations exist, altering the number of tableau piles, the size of the stock pile, or adding rules regarding the order of cards played. The rules described here relate to the most common version of the game.
Mastering Play Nine: Tips and Tricks
- Plan Ahead: Don't just move cards randomly. Think about how your moves will affect other columns and your ability to move cards to the foundation piles.
- Prioritize Kings: Kings are valuable because they allow you to fill empty columns in the tableau, opening up more opportunities for moves.
- Conserve Empty Columns: Try to keep as many empty columns in the tableau open as possible to allow you to move larger sequences of cards around.
- Practice: The more you play, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns and making strategic moves.
By understanding these rules and utilizing helpful strategies, you can significantly enhance your Play Nine game and increase your chances of achieving victory. So grab a deck of cards and start playing!
