Nines

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Nines Solitaire is to discard all cards from the deck by forming and removing specific combinations according to the game’s unique rules.

Setup & Layout:

• Use a standard 52-card deck.
• Deal cards to form the tableau, which typically consists of a set number of face-up cards available for play. The remaining cards form the stock (draw pile), which is face-down.
• There are no foundations in this variant.
• Key play areas:
• Tableau: The area where cards are available for pairing and removal.
• Stock: The draw pile from which cards are dealt to replenish the tableau.
• Discard area: Where removed cards (pairs, nines, or special sets) are placed.
• Face-up/Face-down: Cards in the tableau are face-up and available for play; cards in the stock are face-down until dealt to the tableau.

Nines Solitaire Rules:

• Card Removal:
• You may remove any single Nine from the tableau.
• You may remove any pair of numeral cards (Ace–8) that add up to nine:
  • Ace (1) + 8
  • 2 + 7
  • 3 + 6
  • 4 + 5
• You may remove a set of four cards: one 10, one Jack, one Queen, and one King, but only when all four are simultaneously available in the tableau.
• Replacement: When cards are removed, they are immediately replaced from the stock, if available.
• No redeal: Once the stock is exhausted, no further cards are dealt.

Gameplay:

• On your turn, search for and remove any available valid combinations from the tableau:
• Any single Nine.
• Any pair of numeral cards totaling nine.
• The special 10-Jack-Queen-King set, if all are present.
• After removing cards, immediately fill empty spaces in the tableau by dealing cards from the stock.
• Continue this process until no more valid combinations can be made or the stock is depleted.
• If you cannot make any valid move and the stock is empty, the game ends.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Win: You win if all cards are successfully discarded according to the rules before the stock runs out.
• Lose: The game is lost if no more valid moves are possible and cards remain in the tableau after the stock is exhausted.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Spaces: Whenever cards are removed from the tableau, immediately replace them with cards from the stock, if any remain.
• Special Set (10-Jack-Queen-King): This set can only be removed when all four cards are simultaneously present in the tableau.
• No Redeal: There is no redeal; once the stock is depleted, you cannot recycle discarded cards or reshuffle.
• Automatic Replacement: In most digital implementations, replacement from the stock occurs automatically.
• No Suit Restrictions: Pairing and set removal are based on card value only, not suit.

Definitions:

• Tableau: The main play area where cards are available for pairing and removal.
• Stock: The draw pile supplying new cards to the tableau.
• Discard area: Where removed cards are placed, out of play.

This ruleset reflects the standard and most widely accepted mechanics for Nines Solitaire as supported by reputable solitaire rules sources.