Learn to Play Nerts: Rules & Tips
| Players | 2-6 Players |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| Recommended Age | 8+ |
| Game Category | Solitaire |
Nerts Game Overview
Nerts, also known as Pounce or Racing Demon, is a fast-paced card game that requires quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and lightning-fast hands. It is a game of both skill and luck, and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.
In Nerts, each player has their own deck of cards, and the goal is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards. It is a game that requires quick thinking, as players must simultaneously keep an eye on their own cards and keep track of the cards their opponents are playing.
If you love fast-paced card games that keep you on the edge of your seat, then Nerts is the game for you!
Objective of the Game
The object of Nerts is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in their Nerts pile. Players do this by playing cards from their hands onto shared foundation piles in the center of the table, or onto their own Nerts pile, in numerical order and alternating colors.
The game is won when one player has emptied their Nerts pile completely, and all other players have discarded as many cards as possible onto the foundation piles.
Materials Needed for Playing Nerts
- 1 standard deck of 52 playing cards per player
- A large, flat playing surface
- A timer or stopwatch (optional)
Cards Used
Each player uses their own deck of 52 standard playing cards.
Other Supplies Needed
None
How To Play Nerts
- Shuffle each player's deck and deal thirteen cards face-down into a "Nerts" pile in front of them, and four cards face-up above the Nerts pile.
- Deal four cards face-up in a line between the players to serve as the foundation piles.
- Players can only play cards from their Nerts pile or their hand onto the foundation piles, in numerical order and alternating colors.
- Players can also play cards from their Nerts pile onto their opponents' Nerts piles, but only if the card they are playing is the next card in the sequence, and if the opponent's pile is not empty.
- Players can draw cards from their own deck and add them to their hand as needed, but must always keep at least one card in their Nerts pile.
- The game continues until one player has emptied their Nerts pile completely, and all other players have discarded as many cards as possible onto the foundation piles.
Keeping Score
Score is kept by adding up the number of cards each player has in their Nerts pile at the end of the game. The player with the smallest Nerts pile is the winner.
Related Games
If you enjoy playing Nerts, you may also enjoy these similar card games: