If you’re after a simple yet exciting card game for all ages, 99 should suit you. Not sure how to play it? These 99 card game rules explain the gameplay in detail.
99, also known as Ninety-Nine or Bust, is a popular card-adding game ideal for a small family gathering or a bunch of friends (check out our list of small group games for more inspiration).
The game does not require specific skills or experience, making it ideal for kids or beginners. Moreover, since it is undemanding on area or equipment, you can easily play it on the go.
The game focuses on counting, and, similarly to the Horse race game or Chase (the Ace card game), you also use tokens in 99. Nevertheless, you don’t use them to place bets but bail yourself out of certain situations.
This 99 card game rules guide will cover the following:
- What is 99?
- What you’ll need to play 99
- 99 card game rules
- How to play 99 (video tutorial)
- FAQs
- Other similar games to 99 (our guides)
Continue reading for the detailed instructions on how to play 99.
What is 99 Card Game?
Ninety-nine is a fast-paced game that will test your concentration and strategic skills. But if you’ve ever played any card-adding games, 99 should feel very familiar.
The player’s goal is to count the cards and get as close to the desired score as possible without exceeding it.
Number of Players: 2 + (3+ recommended)
Ages: 10+
Difficulty: Easy
Length of Play: 15+ minutes
Category: Point-counting / trick-taking card game
Similar to: Oh hell, Barbu, Cribbage
Main Objective: Be the last player with a remaining token.
Why We Love It: 99 is an addictive game that becomes more and more fun as you practice.
What You’ll Need to Play 99
You don’t need a lot to play 99, only these two important things:
- A classic 52-card deck of cards (you can put jokers aside)
- Random items serving as tokens(e.g., buttons, chips, coins, etc.)
- Alternatively, you can also buy a ready-to-play Ninety-Nine or Bust game set that provides everything you need in a neat bundle.
Our tip: If you play with four or more players, use two identical decks of cards for more fun.
99 Card Game Rules and Gameplay
The 99 rules are simple, but mastering the game requires some time and practice. Although there are several notable alternative versions to the game (e.g., Oxford Whist), the following instructions are considered classic and most widely spread.
Starting the Game
- First, the players decide on a dealer.
- The dealer provides each player with an equal amount of tokens (typically, 2-3 players get five tokens each, whereas 4+ players get three tokens each).
- The dealer shuffles the deck and deals three cards to each player.
- Players can check their cards, but they must keep them hidden from their opponents.
- Place the remaining cards in the center of the table. This will be your draw pile.
How to Play 99
Once you’ve dealt cards and tokens, you can start playing.
- The player to the left from the dealer starts first. The game proceeds in a clockwise direction.
- Player number one picks one of his cards and places it next to the draw pile.
- All cards have their value (see below) and add to the total value of the pile.
- Players continue adding their cards one by one to the newly forming pile, counting the total value aloud.
- You must draw another card from the draw pile whenever you play one of yours. If you forget about this, you lose the chance to draw a card.
- When you run out of the draw pile, keep the upper card from the central pile and shuffle the rest so that it can serve as a new draw pile. The total value of the pile remains the same.
99 Scoring
Each of the cards has its value which adds to the total value of the central pile. Your goal is to get as close to 99 as possible. For this purpose:
- Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven, Eight = Their face value (e.g., 8 = 8 points, etc.)
- Ace = 1 or 11 points (players must decide)
- Queen, Jack = 10 points
Some cards don’t have any value or have special effects instead:
- Nine = 0 points
- Four = 0 points; this card reverses the gameplay direction
- Ten = increases or reduces the total value by 10 points (players decide)
- King = sets the total value of the pile straight to 99
You must add one token to the center if you cannot make another move without pushing the total value over 99. Once you run out of tokens, you are eliminated.
Who wins 99
The game continues until all players but one run out of tokens. In each new round, the role of the dealer moves to another (non-eliminated) player in the clockwise direction.
The last player with a remaining token becomes a winner. His prize? All the tokens from the center.
How to Play 99 – Video Tutorial
99 Card Game Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are in a 99 card game?
The game can be played with a classic deck of 52 cards. Alternatively, you can also use multiple decks to accommodate more players. Each player initially receives three cards.
How many tokens do you get in 99?
The number of tokens depends on the number of players and the desired length of the game. Four and more players usually receive three tokens each, whereas fewer players can play with five or even more tokens.
Can 2 people play 99?
Some sources recommend this game for at least three players, while others claim it is suitable for two players as well. While a pair can certainly play 99, too, it is more enjoyable in larger groups.
Other Similar Games to 99 (Our Guides)
Would you like to learn more trick-taking games similar to 99? Check out our guides to these alternative games:
- Pinochle rules
- Fill or Bust! (FOB) rules
- Joker rules
- Egyptian Ratscrew rules
- Twenty-eight rules (coming soon)
- Blitz card game rules
- Euchre rules
