Meeple Nook

How to Play Nertz: The Ultimate Guide

By Sam Rivera · October 13, 2026
How to Play Nertz: The Ultimate Guide

How to Play Nertz: The Ultimate Guide

Contents

Nertz is a fast-paced, competitive card game that combines elements of Solitaire and Speed. It’s played with 2-12+ players, each using their own deck of cards, and is perfect for family gatherings or game nights. The goal is to be the first to empty your Nertz pile while scoring points by playing cards into shared foundation piles. Ready to dive into the chaos?

What You Need

To play Nertz, you’ll need:

How to Play

Follow these steps to play Nertz:

  1. Setup: Each player shuffles their deck and deals 13 cards face down to form their Nertz pile (place it to the right). Flip the top card face up. Deal 4 cards face up in a row to create work piles. The remaining cards become the stock pile, held face down in hand.

  2. Start the Game: Someone says “Go!” and all players begin simultaneously.

  3. Play Cards:

    • Manage your work piles like Solitaire: stack cards in descending order (King to Ace) and alternate colors (red/black).
    • Move cards to the shared foundation piles in the center. Piles start with an Ace and build up in ascending order by suit (e.g., Ace, 2, 3… King).

  4. Use Your Nertz Pile: Play the top card into your work piles or foundation piles. Flip the next card face up when you move a card from the Nertz pile.

  5. Stock Pile: Draw 3 cards from your stock pile at a time. Play the top card if possible, or cycle through the stock pile until you can.

  6. End the Round: The first player to empty their Nertz pile shouts “Nertz!” and the round ends immediately.

  7. Score Points:

    • +1 point for each card played to the foundation piles.
    • -2 points for each card remaining in your Nertz pile.

  8. Play Again: Continue rounds until a player reaches 100 or 150 points (depending on house rules).

How to Win

To win Nertz, be the first to reach the target score (100 or 150 points). Focus on emptying your Nertz pile quickly while maximizing points by playing cards to the foundation piles.

Strategy Tips

  1. Prioritize Your Nertz Pile: Always look to play cards from your Nertz pile first.
  2. Use Empty Work Piles: Fill empty work piles with cards from your Nertz pile or stock to free up space.
  3. Race for Foundation Piles: Play cards to the center as quickly as possible to score points.
  4. Monitor Opponents: Keep an eye on other players’ progress to anticipate when they might shout “Nertz!”

FAQ

Can you play Nertz with two players?

Yes, but the game is slower and less intense than with more players.

What happens if you get stuck?

If no one can make a move, players can draw one card at a time from their stock pile until someone can play.

How many cards are in the Nertz pile?

Each player’s Nertz pile consists of 13 cards.

Can you play on your Nertz pile?

No, you can only move cards off your Nertz pile to your work piles or foundation piles.

What’s the difference between Nertz and Solitaire?

Nertz is multiplayer and competitive, with shared foundation piles and simultaneous play, unlike solo Solitaire.

Sources