How to Play Knotty Nines Solitaire

This game is a variation of Trusty Twelves, in which there are twelve tableau piles instead of nine. Knotty Nines is more difficult, given fewer opportunities to move the cards. This game is wildly popular in the UK where players upload and track their stats on a community website.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin with a regular deck of cards from which the jokers have been removed. Shuffle the cards well.

2. Deal out nine cards face up in a square, three cards by three cards. Set the remaining cards aside as the stock pile.

3. Consider only the value of the card, not the suit. Create piles of cards on the board in descending order by placing one card atop another that is one greater in value. Move Queens to Kings; move four to fives.

4. Take a card from the stock pile to fill a hole on the board created by the moving of one card atop another. Keep nine cards face up on the playing field at all times.

5. Continue moving cards to create piles is descending order. Replace played cards with cards from the stock pile. Try to finish the game with just four piles remaining on the board.

6. Create an advantage by turning up the next card on the stock pile. Plan moves on the board based on the stock pile card that is about to come into play.

7. Play until all possible moves are exhausted. Gather up the cards, shuffle and play again.

Tips & Warnings

• Try a few hands of Trusty Twelves before tackling Knotty Nines.