TallynightHow to keep score in Nertz
Nertz is scored after every hand. You get 1 point for each of your cards played to the centre piles, and lose 2 for each card still in your Nertz pile. The first player to reach 100 wins.
- Players
- 2 or more, each with their own deck
- Who wins
- First to 100, or the highest if more than one
- Each hand
- Ends when someone empties their Nertz pile
- Nertz pile
- 13 cards
How each hand scores
When someone calls Nertz, everyone stops at once. Sort the centre piles back to their owners by the backs of the cards, then count.
| Card | Points |
|---|---|
| Each of your cards in the centre piles | 1 |
| Each card left in your Nertz pile | −2 |
| Cards in your work piles, stock and waste | 0 |
A hand can score below zero. Play 7 cards to the centre with 5 left in your Nertz pile, and you score 7 − 10 = −3.
When the game ends
Keep a running total. When at least one player reaches 100 at the end of a hand, the game is over and the highest total wins. If two players tie at the top, play one more hand.
Some tables play each hand as a game of its own, or end the game when one player is 100 ahead of the rest. Agree before you start.
Calling Nertz doesn't always win the hand
The player who empties their Nertz pile stops the hand and loses nothing for it, but in the basic rules there's no bonus. Someone who got more cards into the centre can still score more that hand.
If nobody can play and the whole table is stuck, the hand ends there and is scored as it stands, with everyone losing 2 for each card left in their Nertz pile.
Variants
- A bonus for calling Nertz: many tables give 10 points to the player who empties their Nertz pile.
- Minus 1 a card: some tables take off 1 for each card left in the Nertz pile instead of 2.
- A shorter Nertz pile: some deal 11 or 12 cards to the Nertz pile for a quicker hand.
- Teams: with six or more players, partners can share one deck and one score.
- Jokers: if you add them, they score like any other card.
Dutch Blitz is a boxed game built on the same idea, with its own cards and a game to 75.
A scoring example
One hand with four players. Ana emptied her Nertz pile first and called Nertz.
| Player | Cards in the centre | Left in Nertz pile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ana | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| Ben | 12 | 3 | 6 |
| Cleo | 9 | 7 | −5 |
| Dev | 14 | 2 | 10 |
Ben: 12 − 6 = 6. Cleo: 9 − 14 = −5. Dev: 14 − 4 = 10. At a table that gives 10 for calling Nertz, Ana would score 26.
Write each score under the player, keep a running total, and play on until someone reaches 100.
Keep score for Nertz in Tallynight
Nertz isn't one of Tallynight's built-in games yet, but it takes a minute to set up. Choose Something else, then Rounds, and under Who wins pick Highest. Turn on Play to a target and set it to 100. Tap Add to favourites so it's ready next time, then Start game.
After each hand, type everyone's score on one keypad. Tallynight offers to end the game when someone reaches 100.
- Everyone's hand on one keypad, with a minus key for a slow Nertz pile
- The running totals and who's in front, after every hand
- Tap any hand to fix a miscount
- Your Nertz setup waits in favourites for next time
A Nertz score sheet to print
Playing on paper tonight? Print a free Nertz score sheet, or save it as a PDF.
Questions
How do you score Nertz?
After each hand, count your cards in the centre piles for 1 point each, then take off 2 points for each card left in your Nertz pile.
What do you play to in Nertz?
Usually 100. When someone reaches 100 at the end of a hand, the player with the highest total wins.
Do you get a bonus for calling Nertz?
Not in the basic rules. Calling Nertz ends the hand and saves you the penalty, but many tables add a 10-point bonus for it. Agree before you play.
Can you get a negative score in Nertz?
Yes. Each card left in your Nertz pile costs 2, so a slow hand can come out below zero. Write it with a minus sign and take it off your total.
What happens if everyone is stuck in Nertz?
The hand ends and is scored as it stands, with everyone losing 2 for each card left in their Nertz pile.
How many cards are in a Nertz pile?
13: twelve face down with one face up on top. Some tables use 11 or 12 for a quicker hand.