Cross Sums

Full rules

1. Welcome to Cross Sums
2. Basic rules
3. Scenario 1: Six open places
4. Scenario 2: Rethink the grid
5. Scenario 3: Preserve a number
6. Scenario 4: Keep two plans open
7. Scenario 5: Share the market
8. Scenario 6: Short paths
9. Scenario 7: One more card
10. Scenario 8: Saved for later
11. Scenario 9: New paths in the square
12. Scenario 10: Build on your choices
13. Scenario 11: Three different targets
14. Scenario 12: The King rearranges
15. Scenario 13: Two directions
16. Scenario 14: The 8 joins in
17. Scenario 15: High and low
18. Scenario 16: Four places in a row
19. Scenario 17: Twenty
20. Scenario 18: Every line different
21. Scenario 19: All nine values
22. Scenario 20: The first milestone
23. Scenario 21: Back to the square
24. Scenario 22: The middle matters
25. Scenario 23: Small reserves
26. Scenario 24: Another approach
27. Scenario 25: Twelve connections
28. Scenario 26: Leave room
29. Scenario 27: The long direction
30. Scenario 28: Keep and change
31. Scenario 29: A short breather
32. Scenario 30: The second milestone
33. Scenario 31: Two of each number
34. Scenario 32: Keep with purpose
35. Scenario 33: Every copy counts
36. Scenario 34: Move instead of spending
37. Scenario 35: Make the most of less
38. Scenario 36: The reserve returns
39. Scenario 37: Long columns
40. Scenario 38: The right opening
41. Scenario 39: Both lines in view
42. Scenario 40: Connections secured
43. Scenario 41: The large square
44. Scenario 42: Four in each direction
45. Scenario 43: Room in your hand
46. Scenario 44: A flexible arrangement
47. Scenario 45: Four open paths
48. Scenario 46: Turn once more
49. Scenario 47: The final differences
50. Scenario 48: Refine it together
51. Scenario 49: Before the milestone
52. Scenario 50: Fifty together
53. Scenarios at a glance
54. Ideas for future scenarios

Welcome to Cross Sums

Build a number grid together. Every card counts in two directions: in its row and its column. Rows have fixed targets; decide during play which column will take which column target. Choose your next cards from a face-up market and adapt your plan.

• Players: 2.
• You need: one standard 52-card deck without jokers. This covers all 50 scenarios, including target cards. No second deck or paper targets are needed. Calculation notes are allowed but optional.

Start with scenario 1. Read these basic rules and its setup; read later scenarios when you reach them. The first three introduce numbers, Jacks and Queens. Smaller tasks appear between larger grids. Pause after any attempt and remember your scenario number.

Keep hands open and discuss your choices, in every scenario. The active player decides; both players get a chance to propose their own move. There are no prescribed hands or moves.

Basic rules

Play cards and target cards

Ace = 1; number cards count their printed value. Suits do not change values. Usually each number appears three times: in hearts, spades and diamonds. Only in scenarios 31–35, use two copies, in hearts and spades. Face cards join as actions: Jacks from 2, Queens from 3 and Kings from 12, each in hearts and spades.

The A–10 of clubs serve only as targets and are never shuffled with play cards:

• Upright: printed value, with A = 1.
• Crosswise, rotated 90 degrees: value plus 10. A crosswise 2 means 12; a crosswise 10 means 20.

Each setup uses every club rank at most once. For example, targets 3 and 13 never appear together because both would need the 3 of clubs. Targets and play cards use different suits; together they fit in one deck. Set aside every card not listed.

Fixed rows, free columns

Place row targets to the left of their rows, in the listed order from top to bottom. These assignments stay fixed.

Place column targets above the grid in any order. You may rearrange them at any time without spending an action, even after cards have been placed. Each column target must belong to exactly one column when you win; none may count twice. The picture shows one possible order and prints each full target sum below its club card.

You may not rotate targets to change their values, place them in the grid or exchange them for different targets. Only the order of column targets may change.

Setup and face-up market

The grid starts empty. Before each attempt, shuffle all the scenario's play and action cards together. Deal random cards one at a time alternately: initially 3 each, from scenario 7 4, from 41 5. Lay hands face up.

Next, lay three random cards face up separately as the shared market. Face cards stay there too. The rest form the face-down stock. Leave room beside it for face-up discards: spent hand and action cards. The market and discard pile are different: you may take cards only from the market.

The youngest player begins – in these rules that is Anna – then alternate turns. The other player may start the next attempt.

Your turn

1. Optionally exchange once: Discard one card from your hand and take one market card into your hand. Immediately refill its slot from the stock if possible. You may use the new card straight away. Exchanging remains possible with an empty stock while a market card remains. You cannot exchange with an empty hand or an empty market.
2. One grid action: Place a number from your hand on an empty or occupied grid place, or play an introduced action card. A Jack, Queen or King replaces placing a number. After an exchange, you may end your turn without a grid action if you do not want to place anything.
3. Refill your hand: Choose cards one at a time from the market until you reach the scenario hand size or the market is empty. Immediately refill each taken slot from the stock if possible, before choosing another card. Never draw blindly into your hand. Then the other player takes their turn.

Discards are never shuffled back in. You may inspect them at any time but cannot take cards back. Exchanging is allowed at most once before the grid action; you cannot discard another hand card while refilling afterwards.

Stacks in the grid

When covering, leave the previous card underneath. Only the top card counts and is active. All lower cards are spent: you may inspect them but can never retrieve or reactivate them. Keep grid stacks squared up so the active value is clear. A single card is also a stack.

Covering needs no face card. Later actions work as follows:

• Jack, from scenario 2: Swap two whole occupied grid stacks. Their top values change places.
• Queen, from scenario 3: Exchange a number from your hand with the top card of an occupied grid place. Take the top grid card into your hand and leave your number on top. Lower cards stay spent underneath. Discard only the Queen.
• King, from scenario 12: Move a whole grid stack to an empty place. Its previous place becomes completely empty.

All face cards go to the discards after use and never count as grid numbers. Scenarios explain their actions with examples when they join.

Winning, passing and restarting

Win immediately when every place is occupied, every row matches its fixed target and the column sums match the column targets in any order. Each column target is used exactly once. From scenario 18, values within each row and column must also be distinct when you win. Before that, repeated values are allowed in the finished solution too.

During play, sums may be wrong and values may repeat. You may keep correcting a full grid. A matching line does not have to remain unchanged. Leftover cards do not matter when you win.

When the stock runs out, keep taking market cards until the market is empty too. Once both stock and market are empty, continue with your hands and you may voluntarily pass. A player who cannot take any action must pass. An exchange-only turn is not a pass. Two consecutive passes mean you lose. You may also agree to give up.

To retry, collect every play card: hands, market, stock, discards and all grid cards including lower cards. Shuffle the same scenario's full play deck again. The grid starts empty and targets stay the same. There are no penalty points.

After playing, consider which choice helped, whether you changed your plan and whether you want to try the same task with new cards.

Scenario 1: Six open places

Six places leave room for different plans.

For this scenario: 3 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 9, 12 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 6, 7, 8 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–6 in hearts, spades and diamonds; no face cards. Shuffle these 18 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 3 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 9 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The new opening

Start with two rows and three columns. Keep hands open and discuss your choices. Refill from the three-card market. Before your grid action, you may exchange one hand card for a market card. Assign column targets freely. Repeated values in a line are allowed; only top numbers count.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Effect example

Scenario 2: Rethink the grid

The Jack helps you rearrange your plan on a larger grid.

For this scenario: 3 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 9, 12, 15 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 7, 13, 16 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–6 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks. Shuffle these 20 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 3 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 11 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The Jack rearranges

The grid grows to 3 × 3. Add two Jacks. Discard a Jack and swap two whole occupied grid stacks; single cards also count as stacks. Both top numbers stay active and lower cards stay spent. You need two occupied places. This is your grid action; afterwards refill your hand from the market. You may exchange beforehand.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Effect example

Scenario 3: Preserve a number

Some numbers are too useful to bury beneath another card.

For this scenario: 3 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 10, 13, 16 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 8, 14, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 3 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 16 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The Queen exchanges with your hand

Add 7s and two Queens. Play a Queen and a number from your hand. Exchange the number with the top card of an occupied grid place. Take that top grid card into your hand. Lower cards stay spent beneath the new number; discard only the Queen. This is your grid action. Afterwards refill to three from the market. Play the returned number on a later turn. Jacks remain available.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Effect example

Scenario 4: Keep two plans open

The next market card can change your plan.

For this scenario: 3 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 13, 14, 10 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 12, 16 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 3 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 16 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Several ways to the target

There is no new action. Use Jacks, Queens and covering to adapt your plan to available cards. Row targets stay fixed; you may reassign column targets at any time.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 5: Share the market

Which card do you take, and which do you leave for your partner?

For this scenario: 3 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 13, 11, 10 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 8, 12, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 3 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 16 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Choose together

Keep hands open and discuss your choices. The market belongs to both of you: immediately refill each taken slot from the stock if possible, before choosing another card. There is no silence rule.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 6: Short paths

A smaller grid gives you room to practise the new choices.

For this scenario: 3 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 11, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 6, 7, 12 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 3 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 16 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

A smaller task between squares

Play on 2 × 3 places, keeping Jacks and Queens. Use the smaller grid to practise choosing cards and exchanging before your grid action. Hands stay open.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 7: One more card

An extra hand card gives you more choice when planning.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 10, 9, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 8, 12, 13 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 14 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Four hand cards

From now on, deal four random cards each and refill to four after your grid action. The market still has three slots. Keep all discussion and target rules.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 8: Saved for later

Some numbers are worth keeping for another place.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 13, 8 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 12, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 14 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 9: New paths in the square

Each place in the square connects two different targets.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 11, 9 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 12, 13 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 14 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 10: Build on your choices

Keep your options open as new cards enter the market.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 14, 12 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 11, 13, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 14 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 11: Three different targets

The targets differ in both directions. Spread your cards to suit them.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 8, 12 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 11, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens. Shuffle these 25 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 14 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 12: The King rearranges

The King brings a placed number to another empty place.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 12, 11, 13 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 10, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 27 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 16 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The King moves

Add two Kings. Discard a King and move one whole grid stack to an empty place. Its previous place becomes completely empty. You need an occupied and an empty place; this cannot be done on a full grid. This is your grid action; afterwards refill from the market. Jacks and Queens remain available.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Effect example

Scenario 13: Two directions

A low row sits beside a high one. Use your actions with care.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 12, 8, 16 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 13, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–7 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 27 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 16 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 14: The 8 joins in

The 8 lets you fill larger remaining values in one move.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 16, 10 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 14, 18 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–8 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 30 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 19 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The 8 expands your choice

Add 8s to the play deck. Keep all existing actions. The three column targets remain freely assignable.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 15: High and low

The targets spread further apart, but all your helpers remain available.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 16, 11, 12 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 14, 15 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–8 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 30 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 19 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 16: Four places in a row

The grid grows wider: each row has four places.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 19, 15 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 6, 7, 10, 11 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–8 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 30 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 19 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Four places in a row

The grid has two rows of four places. There are four freely assignable column targets. Each column contains two active numbers and each row four.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 17: Twenty

One row needs twenty. This target also uses a single club card.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 20, 15 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 7, 8, 9, 11 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–8 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 30 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 19 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The target twenty

A crosswise 10 of clubs means 20. All target cards still follow the same rule: upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. No club rank is needed twice in this setup.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 18: Every line different

To win, every line now needs different number values.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 12, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 7, 8, 11 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–8 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 30 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 19 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

No duplicates when winning

From now on, every row and every column must contain distinct number values when you win. A value may repeat in different rows and columns. Duplicates are allowed during play. Introduce this victory condition on the smaller 2 × 3 grid.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 19: All nine values

You now have the full number range from Ace to 9.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 16, 17 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 11, 13 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

All nine values

Now use A–9 as play cards, still three copies per value. Values in each row and column must remain distinct when you win.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 20: The first milestone

Combine everything you have learnt: choosing market cards, deliberate corrections and different values in every line.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 20, 15 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 7, 8, 9, 11 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 21: Back to the square

Nine places, now with different values in every line.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 17, 9 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 12, 13, 16 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 22: The middle matters

Every correction connects a row with a column.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 11, 15, 10 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 13, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 23: Small reserves

A small number can be valuable to several targets.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 9, 10, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 6, 12, 15 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 24: Another approach

You know every action. Try different routes to the same target.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 11, 12, 18 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 14, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 25: Twelve connections

A fourth column expands the square to twelve places.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 13, 16, 18 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 11, 12, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Twelve places

The grid grows to 3 × 4 places. The four column targets remain freely assignable and the three row targets stay fixed. Covering and all three face-card actions remain available.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 26: Leave room

The wider grid offers more places to prepare your next moves.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 16, 10 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 7, 9, 11, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 27: The long direction

The grid turns: four rows, three columns.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 18, 11, 13, 10 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 16, 17, 19 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Four rows, three columns

Turn the setup to 4 × 3 places: four fixed row targets and three freely assignable column targets. Each winning column contains four distinct numbers.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 28: Keep and change

Covering and the Queen offer two ways to make a correction.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 20, 16, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 11, 12, 18 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 29: A short breather

A smaller grid lets you consolidate the familiar tools.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 17, 14, 13 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 15, 19 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 30: The second milestone

Twelve places bring together everything from this stage.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 13, 20, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 6, 9, 15, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 31: Two of each number

The grid shrinks while matching numbers become scarcer.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 2 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 17, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 5, 6, 9, 11 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts and spades and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 24 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 13 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Two copies of each number

For scenarios 31–35, use only two copies of each number: hearts and spades. Set diamonds aside. Keep four-card hands and a three-card market. Begin on 2 × 4 places. Keep two each of Jacks, Queens and Kings.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 32: Keep with purpose

Fill nine places using the smaller play deck.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 2 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 8, 10, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 11, 12 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts and spades and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 24 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 13 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 33: Every copy counts

Discarded numbers are part of the planning too.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 2 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 10, 15, 13 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 11, 18 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts and spades and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 24 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 13 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 34: Move instead of spending

Two cards already in the grid can work better together.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 2 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 10, 14, 12 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 8, 13, 15 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts and spades and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 24 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 13 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 35: Make the most of less

Eight places finish the stage with two copies.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 2 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 14, 18 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 5, 7, 9, 11 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 2 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts and spades and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 24 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 13 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 36: The reserve returns

The diamond numbers return and the grid grows again.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 17, 18, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 6, 11, 12, 20 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

The third copy returns

From now on, return to three copies per number: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds. The grid has twelve places. The extra copy gives you more choices about spending or saving cards.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 37: Long columns

Four cards must work together in each column.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 9, 15, 11, 8 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 12, 14, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 38: The right opening

Sometimes the number you need is already in the grid.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 20, 15, 19 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 11, 13, 14, 16 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 39: Both lines in view

More connections call for a second look before each change.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 12, 16, 10, 11 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 14, 17, 18 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 40: Connections secured

A familiar grid rounds off the third stage.

For this scenario: 4 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 13, 11, 15 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 8, 9, 10, 12 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 4 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 22 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 41: The large square

Sixteen places — with an extra hand card to help.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 15, 19, 13, 16 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 12, 14, 17, 20 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Sixteen places and five hand cards

The first 4 × 4 grid. From now on, deal five random cards each and refill to five after your grid action. Keep a three-card market. All eight targets use different club ranks and fit in one deck. Smaller tasks still appear between large grids.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 42: Four in each direction

Four different numbers meet in every row and column.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 17, 12, 15, 16 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 13, 18, 19 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 43: Room in your hand

Return to a smaller grid with five cards in hand.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 16, 13, 17 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 9, 11, 12, 14 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 44: A flexible arrangement

The square grows back; corrections are part of the path.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 18, 11, 15, 16 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 10, 14, 17, 19 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenario 45: Four open paths

Each row offers four places in a shared plan.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 16, 14, 11, 17 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 12, 13, 15, 18 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: A started column may take a different column target as you play.

Scenario 46: Turn once more

A narrower grid breaks up the large squares.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 11, 14, 9, 13 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 12, 17, 18 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 3 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: An exchange spends a card. Keep useful alternatives in your hand.

Scenario 47: The final differences

When totals are close, small changes matter.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 16, 13, 18, 19 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 14, 15, 17, 20 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Covering introduces a new value; the Jack rearranges existing values.

Scenario 48: Refine it together

A laid-out grid can change until the final turn.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 18, 12, 15, 19 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 13, 14, 17, 20 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: The Queen saves a top number for a later turn.

Scenario 49: Before the milestone

A familiar rectangle offers a chance to regroup.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 14, 13, 17 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 8, 9, 11, 16 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 3 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

This task

There is no new rule. Use the setup and card supply above. Keep hands open, discuss your choices and assign column targets freely. You may exchange once before your grid action and refill from the market afterwards.

What to watch: Before placing, check the row sum and which column targets the number could support.

Scenario 50: Fifty together

Sixteen places complete your first fifty scenarios.

For this scenario: 5 hand cards · 3 copies per number · open hands · discussion allowed · market 3 · free column targets · Jack · Queen · King · no duplicates per line when winning.

Setup

1. Take all cards from one deck. Place row targets 10, 19, 13, 14 on the left, top to bottom. Place column targets 11, 12, 16, 17 above the grid in any order. Clubs upright = value, crosswise = value + 10. Each target rank is needed only once.
2. Leave 4 rows of 4 empty places. Every grid place starts empty.
3. Assemble the play cards: A–9 in hearts, spades and diamonds and the heart and spade of these ranks: Jacks, Queens, Kings. Shuffle these 33 play and action cards together, excluding targets.
4. Deal 5 random hand cards each, face up. Next lay 3 random cards face up as the shared market. The remaining 20 cards form the face-down stock. Discards start empty.

Your fiftieth success

Play on 4 × 4 places with all existing rules. Win when every row target matches, each column fulfils one of the four column targets exactly once, and no line repeats a value. This is the end of the current campaign; replay any task with freshly shuffled cards.

What to watch: When refilling, consider your partner's next turn too.

Scenarios at a glance

Rows top to bottom; column targets in any order. Open hands, discussion allowed, always a three-card market. Three copies per number; two in 31–35. Jacks from 2, Queens from 3, Kings from 12, each in hearts and spades. Hand size: 3 in 1–6, 4 in 7–40, 5 in 41–50. From 18, distinct values per line when winning. All targets fit in one deck.

The campaign is undergoing playtesting. Early table tests found too few decisions on the former 2 × 2 grids. This opening uses larger grids, a face-up market and free column targets. All 50 puzzles have mathematical solutions and fit in one deck including their targets. The new version has not yet been tested for human difficulty; random deals and arbitrary moves do not guarantee a win.

Ideas for future scenarios

These ideas are not rules of the 50 scenarios yet. They outline possible next steps after table testing the new opening.

• Shared reserve: One extra face-up place could save a number for your partner. Using it would replace the exchange before your grid action. The choice would be whether to use a number now or prepare something for your partner. No extra marker card would be needed.
• Secure a row: You could voluntarily secure a completed row. As a reward, refresh the market once; afterwards the cards in that row could no longer move. This would provide a visible milestone at a price: later repairs would have to work around the secured row. An unused club face card could mark it.
• Line contracts: A separate contract mode could score and then clear individual rows or columns. A game might require four completed contracts. Clearing a line would give progress but remove useful numbers from crossing lines. This would need new tasks and its own rules: a larger redesign.
• Optional bonus target: Keep the normal victory condition achievable while offering an extra objective, such as a row containing only red number cards. More experienced players could plan further while both players can still win together.

The shared reserve is a useful next small experiment because it creates a direct handover between players. For a larger experiment, line contracts could provide changing targets and several moments of achievement within one game.