In 99, a small hand can still hold a surprising number of plans. You have just three cards, but one may reverse the turn order, reduce the running total or bring a round to an abrupt end.

The basic idea

The game uses a standard 52-card deck without jokers. The table total starts at zero and each player begins with ten survival points. Play a card on your turn and a replacement is drawn automatically. Your aim is to be the last player with points remaining.

Know your special cards

An ace adds one or eleven, your choice. Cards 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 add their face values. A four adds four and reverses direction when more than two players remain. A nine keeps the total unchanged. A ten adds or subtracts ten without taking the total below zero.

A jack adds ten and skips the next player. With two players, that gives you another turn. Queens and kings add ten. A two has its own rule. It halves an even total greater than 49 and doubles the total in every other case.

The thresholds at 33 and 66

Reaching either threshold from below costs every opponent one point. Jumping over it from below costs you one point. Moving upward from a total already at 33 or 66 does not apply that threshold again.

Reaching 99 costs the others two points and ends the round. Going beyond 99 costs you two points and also ends it. Penalties can combine. Playing a two at 53 creates 106, costing you three points for crossing 66 and exceeding 99. Reducing the total does not award or deduct threshold points. Holding it steady does not repeat a reward.

Keep a way out

A player reaching zero survival points leaves immediately. The next round starts at zero with new hands for the remaining players. The last survivor wins.

Check the predicted result before confirming a card. Lowering the total can be more useful than bringing it close to 99 when an opponent is ready to finish. As you become comfortable, try keeping one flexible card for a difficult turn.