Introduction
Are you looking for a fun and exciting card game to play with your friends and family? Look no further than 99 or Bust! This fast-paced game is easy to learn and guarantees hours of entertainment. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to play 99 or Bust, including the rules, tips, and strategies you need to know to become a master of the game.
The Objective
The objective of 99 or Bust is to be the first player to reach a total of 99 points. Each player starts with 0 points and takes turns drawing and playing cards to increase their score. However, if a player’s score exceeds 99, they are “busted” and their score resets to 0. The game continues until one player successfully reaches or exceeds 99 points.
The Deck
99 or Bust is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. All cards have a point value, with numbered cards worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) worth 10 points each, and Aces worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on the player’s choice.
Starting the Game
To start the game, shuffle the deck and deal each player three cards face down. These cards should not be revealed to other players. The remaining cards are placed face-down in a draw pile, with the top card flipped face-up next to it to start the discard pile.
Gameplay
The game begins with the player to the left of the dealer. On their turn, a player can choose to either draw a card from the draw pile or pick up the top card from the discard pile. The player can then play a card from their hand, adding its value to their score. The played card is placed face-up on the discard pile.
Special Card Rules
There are a few special cards in 99 or Bust that have unique rules:
- 2: When a 2 is played, the player can choose another player to pick up two cards from the draw pile.
- 7: When a 7 is played, the player must swap hands with another player of their choice.
- 8: When an 8 is played, the player can choose any card from their hand to discard and replace it with a new card from the draw pile.
Scoring
As mentioned earlier, the objective of the game is to reach a total of 99 points. Each player keeps track of their score on a piece of paper or a scorepad. On each turn, the player adds the value of the card they played to their current score. The player can choose to play an Ace as either 1 or 11 points to strategically manage their score.
Winning the Game
The game continues until one player reaches or exceeds 99 points. If a player exceeds 99 points, they are “busted” and their score resets to 0. The first player to reach or exceed 99 points is declared the winner of the game.
Tips and Strategies
To improve your chances of winning 99 or Bust, consider the following tips and strategies:
- Manage your score: Keep track of your score and plan your moves accordingly to avoid exceeding 99 points.
- Pay attention to special cards: Utilize the special card rules to your advantage and disrupt your opponents’ strategies.
- Observe other players: Pay attention to the cards other players are picking up and discarding to gain insights into their strategies.
- Play strategically: Consider the potential impact of each card you play and plan your moves to maximize your score or hinder your opponents.
Conclusion
Now that you have a thorough understanding of the rules, tips, and strategies of 99 or Bust, gather your friends and family and enjoy this thrilling card game. Remember, the key to success is managing your score effectively and utilizing special cards to your advantage. Have fun and may the best player reach 99 first!