Solitaire
About Pounce
Pounce is a simultaneous solitaire race closely related to Nertz, with a compact nine-card reserve and five work columns. Both players compete for the same foundation spaces in real time.
The extra work column changes the rhythm of the board and creates more places to organize cards. Clear the reserve, call Pounce, and let the table calculate the final score.
How to play Pounce
- Each player starts with a nine-card reserve, five work piles, stock and waste.
- Both players move simultaneously and build work piles downward in alternating colors.
- Shared foundations build upward by suit from Ace to King.
- A reserve card may fill an empty work column; otherwise an empty column begins with a King.
- Clear your reserve and call Pounce. Score foundation contributions minus two points for each reserve card remaining.
Tips for a better game
- Use the fifth work column to uncover the reserve rather than simply storing convenient cards.
- Look for reserve-to-empty-column moves that would be illegal from another source.
- Keep scanning the center because both players can unlock foundation moves for each other.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pounce the same as Nertz?
It belongs to the same simultaneous solitaire family, but this version uses five work columns and a nine-card reserve.
Do players take turns in Pounce?
No. Both players act at the same time until someone clears the reserve and calls the round.
How is Pounce scored?
Each foundation card you contributed earns one point, and each card remaining in your reserve subtracts two points.
Can I play Pounce against the computer?
Yes. Choose an easy, medium or hard computer pace, or play another person online.