9-5 Card Game (Nine -Five)

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Nine-Five; Regional game of Northwest Connecticut

This variation of “Set Back” is also referred to as "Nine-Five" and seems to be a popular game in taverns and clubs in the North-West part of Connecticut. The game is similar in some ways to the better known game of “Set Back or Pitch” in that it is a trump and trick taking game. The major difference is, the player to the left of the winning bidder throws or leads the first card and is not required to lead trump. The game seems to be primarily a four-player game, however a 6-player variation exists, both using the partner format.  All players are dealt six cards, the player to the left of the dealer bids first; a minimum bid of 9 is forced if a player holds any 9 and one or more cards of the same suit. Bidding will go one time around with a maximum bid of 18, in auction style. If all players pass, the cards are shown face up to prove the lack of a forced bid, and the deal is passed to the left.  The winning bidder will announce the trump suit; players will then discard unwanted cards face up into the "scrap pile" The dealer then deals the draw cards to bring each player back to six cards. Note: Discarded "Trump" cards will be returned to the person that discarded that card.  If that person cannot be identified the card will default to the dealer and prevents a dump of point cards, i.e. 9 & 5, (intentional dumping is cheating!).  The scoring is exactly the same as traditional "Nines and Fives" see below. The game is won by the first team that scores 100 or more. This somewhat obscure variation of “Setback” forces the non bidding team to "Block" or "Post" a higher trump than the 9 to prevent the bidder from "running' the 9 on the first trick and then forcing the bidder to play in between his opponents.  This is a strategic game has many facets to the strategy in any particular hand.  Posting and blocking for points is essential in this game.  Pay special attention to the number of cards drawn by each player, this helps in formulating the strategy of each hand.

Point Scoring

Trump High = 1

Trump Jack = 1

Game Points = 1

Trump Low = 1

Nine = 9

Five = 5

Nine – Five Tournament / League Rules

Etiquette of play

There is no provision for *misdeals in this game. If a misdeal occurs and is discovered after the bidding has begun, the player with the wrong number of cards simply will adjust their hand by drawing or discarding a card(s).  In rare cases, and only if all players agree, a re-deal is allowed.  Example; if cards are exposed that would make the hand unfair to play or an egregious mistake of some kind.  Let common sense prevail.  When a misdeal is discovered before the bidding begins simply re-deal.

*Any conduct that is viewed as “Cheating” will be dealt with by an ad hock committee of no less than 3 tournament officials. The committee’s decision will be final. If the committee finds that a player(s) has intentionally cheated that player(s) will be banned from participating in any further Elks Lodge #372 tournaments.

Penalties;

Hand Reneging, Major & Minor

1)    Major;

A reneged bid happens when a player does not bid while they have a 9 along with at least one other suited card providing there has been no other preceding bid. This is only enforced if discovered after the winning bidder has announced the trump suit.

The penalty for this action is an automatic set of -9 for the offending team and an award of +18 for the opposing team.

2)    Minor;

A minor renege is a misplayed card in any off suit not following or trumping the lead. When this is discovered, players must try to reconstruct that trick.  If this cannot be accomplished and another trick is played and then discovered, a minor penalty will be imposed.

Penalty;

The offending team cannot collect any points beyond the preceding trick in which the renege occurred, the remaining points in the hand are awarded to the team that was disadvantaged by the renege.

Example; Blue team bids 10 and makes it on the 2^nd trick, Blue team reneges on the 4^th trick by not following the lead suit or trump, Jack, Five, low fall in Blue’s favor but Blue should have followed suit on the 4th and did not. Red team is awarded the 8 points including GAME Total, no further penalty is imposed.  I.E., A team committing a renege cannot accumulate any points in that trick or any following tricks.  Also, points that are not in the hand cannot be awarded at any time, If the Nine, Five and Jack are not out the points cannot be used as a penalty.

Be gracious and honorable not punitive.  If this mis play cannot be resolved the tournament director will rule accordingly.

Table Talk,

As always our league is a friendly and fun Tuesday night affair.  However, as with any game there must be a governing set of rules or guidelines to keep fairness at a maximum.  Talking across the table while the hand is being played should be kept to basic conversation.  Table talk is when any information is passed to a partner that will enhance their ability to make a bid or simply score points.  This is a self policing aspect of this game so remember even though you may not think you passed information across the table, if your opponents are uncomfortable with the communication while the hand is in play please respect that and adjust accordingly.  It is fine to talk about a hand after the complete hand has been played.  You are not allowed to do anything, physical or verbal, that can tip off your partner.  Be honorable, everyone pays to play and deserves a fair shot at the winnings.  

Recounting the draw, if a card has not yet been played, it is considered to be ok to ask players for their draw count. Some players are collecting cards or keeping score, so be considerate.

By no means should anyone need to ask every hand. Keep in mind that a player is not required to answer your request but any player at the table can give the recount without penalty.  Again, extend this courtesy as long as a card has not been played in the hand.

References

Trick Taking Card Games

9-5

9 - 5

Nine - Five

Card Games of Northwest Connecticut

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