Play Nine, also known as Klondike, is a classic solitaire card game enjoyed by millions. Its simple rules belie a surprising depth of strategic possibilities, making it endlessly replayable. This guide will cover the basic rules, variations, and tips to help you master this beloved pastime.
What You'll Need to Play Nine
- A standard 52-card deck.
Basic Gameplay: Setting Up and Dealing
- Dealing: The deck is shuffled and dealt face down into seven columns, with one card face up in the first column, two in the second, three in the third, and so on. This leaves 24 cards undealt.
- Tableau (Columns): The seven columns form the tableau. Cards in the tableau can be moved according to rank and color.
- Stock (Undealt Cards): The 24 undealt cards form the stock, placed face down next to the tableau.
- Foundation Piles (Empty Spaces): Four empty spaces above the tableau represent the foundation piles. These are where you'll build up the suits in ascending order, from Ace to King.
- Waste Pile: As you go through the stock, cards are dealt one at a time to the waste pile (face-up). You can move cards from the waste pile to the foundation or tableau.
Moving Cards in Play Nine
- Tableau to Tableau: You can move a card or a sequence of cards onto another card if the card you're moving is one rank lower and the opposite color. For example, a red 7 can be placed on a black 8.
- Waste Pile to Tableau: Cards in the waste pile can be moved to the tableau in the same manner as above.
- Tableau to Foundation: Kings are placed in the foundation, then ascending values from Ace. Only cards of the same suit can be stacked.
- Stock to Waste Pile: You can deal cards from the stock one at a time to the waste pile. Once you've gone through the entire stock, you can re-deal it, but only once.
Winning the Game
You win Play Nine when all four foundation piles are complete, with each suit arranged in ascending order from Ace to King.
Common Questions About Play Nine
What happens if I run out of cards in the stock?
Once you've dealt through the stock, you can only redeal it once. If you exhaust the redealt stock and cannot move any more cards, the game is over.
Can I move multiple cards at once in the tableau?
Yes, you can move sequences of cards as long as they are arranged in descending order and alternating colors.
Can I move a card directly from the stock to the foundation?
No. Cards must first be moved to the waste pile before being placed in the foundation.
What are some strategies for playing Play Nine?
- Prioritize building up your foundation piles: Getting cards onto the foundation frees up space in your tableau.
- Don't be afraid to use the stock: While it might seem tempting to save it, using the stock can reveal key cards that allow you to progress.
- Plan your moves strategically: Look ahead and consider how your moves will impact the other columns.
- Look for opportunities to create longer sequences: Long sequences can help you unlock more moves and lead to a victory.
Are there variations of Play Nine?
Yes, many variations exist, including changes to the number of cards dealt, the redeal option, and the rules about moving cards.
By understanding these rules and employing strategic thinking, you can greatly improve your chances of winning Play Nine. So grab a deck of cards and give it a try! Good luck!
