Solitaire
Nertz / Nerts at a glance
Nertz, also spelled Nerts, turns solitaire into a real-time race. Both players move at once, building on shared foundations while trying to empty a thirteen-card Nertz reserve.
The pace is quick, but the familiar alternating-color work piles make it easy for Klondike players to begin. Play a private match, find an online rival, or learn against the computer.
- Players
- 2 · Head to head
- Layout
- 13-card reserve
- Play
- Simultaneous
- Goal
- Highest round score
How to play Nertz / Nerts online
Play free in your browser, with no download or account required. Choose the kind of table you want to join.
Practice with computers
Choose this game in the multiplayer lobby, set a computer pace, and select Play the computer. Use Show a move when you need help finding a move.
Invite your friends
Create a private table from the multiplayer lobby and share its invite link or room code with your opponent.
Find an online opponent
Choose Find an online opponent to look for other people. If no matching players are available, you can practice with computers instead.
Computer games also need an internet connection. The table handles dealing, legal moves, and scoring. These rules describe the version played here; other tables may use different house rules.
Rules of Nertz / Nerts
Deal and layout
Each player starts with a 13-card reserve, four work piles, a stock and a waste.
Playing together
Both players act simultaneously; there are no turns to wait for.
Building cards
Build work piles downward in alternating colors and shared foundations upward by suit.
Drawing from stock
Draw three cards at a time and recycle the waste when the stock runs out.
Scoring and winning
Calling and scoring
After clearing your reserve, call the round. Score one point per foundation card contributed and lose two points per reserve card left.
Clearing your reserve lets you call the round, but does not guarantee the win. Compare the final scores: foundation contributions minus two points for each reserve card left.
How to get better at Nertz / Nerts
Tip 1
Keep the Nertz reserve visible and play from it whenever possible.
Tip 2
Scan shared foundations before rearranging work piles; a quick center play can expose another card.
Tip 3
Speed matters, but a wrong destination costs more time than one careful glance.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nertz and Nerts the same game?
Yes. Both spellings refer to the same fast, competitive patience game.
Does everyone play at once in Nertz?
Yes. Nertz is simultaneous, so both players may move cards throughout the round.
How is Nertz scored here?
You earn one point for each card you contributed to a shared foundation and lose two points for every card left in your reserve.
Can I play Nertz against a computer?
Yes. The computer offers three pace settings, or you can play another person online.
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