Ninety-Nine

(Web published), Games and Puzzles (magazine) · Board game · 1974

7.1 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–4 · best 3 60 min Weight 2.1/5

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7.1 rating Ludopedia

7.2 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

Traditional card game lovers craving strategy will adore this: easy to learn but packed with sneaky decisions.

Highlights

Minimal setup (just a deck)
Brilliant bidding twist
Fun math tension

Keep in mind

Limited direct interaction
Best with 3 players

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ninety-Nine is a classic trick-taking game with a strategic twist: you must bid how many tricks you'll win, but here's the kicker — your bid cards also set your target! Using a traditional deck (6 through Ace, plus an optional Joker), each player sets aside three cards to bid — their suits determine your trick goal (clubs = +3, hearts = +2, spades = +1, diamonds = 0). Hit the exact number? Bonus points! Want a bigger challenge? Declare your bid cards face-up for open information, or even reveal your entire hand to multiply rewards. While ideal for 3 players, it adapts well for 2 to 5 (with variants). Expect bluffs, quick math, and that delicious tension of almost — but not *quite* — nailing your bid.