Solitaire
Racing Demon at a glance
Racing Demon is a lively competitive patience game in which both players build at the same time. It is the British name commonly used for the game also known as Nertz or Nerts.
Every second counts as you uncover the demon pile and claim spaces on shared foundations. The browser handles scoring and contested plays so you can concentrate on the race.
- Players
- 2 · Head to head
- Layout
- 13-card reserve
- Play
- Simultaneous
- Goal
- Highest round score
How to play Racing Demon online
Play free in your browser, with no download or account required. Choose the kind of table you want to join.
Practice with computers
Choose this game in the multiplayer lobby, set a computer pace, and select Play the computer. Use Show a move when you need help finding a move.
Invite your friends
Create a private table from the multiplayer lobby and share its invite link or room code with your opponent.
Find an online opponent
Choose Find an online opponent to look for other people. If no matching players are available, you can practice with computers instead.
Computer games also need an internet connection. The table handles dealing, legal moves, and scoring. These rules describe the version played here; other tables may use different house rules.
Rules of Racing Demon
Deal and layout
Deal a 13-card demon reserve and four personal work piles to each player.
Your work piles
Play simultaneously, building personal work piles down in alternating colors.
Shared foundations
Move Aces to the eight shared foundations, then build each suit upward to King.
Stock and waste
Use Draw 3 to work through your stock and recycle the waste as needed.
Scoring and winning
Calling and scoring
Empty the demon pile and call the round. Foundation contributions score positively; cards left in the reserve count against you.
Clearing your reserve lets you call the round, but does not guarantee the win. Compare the final scores: foundation contributions minus two points for each reserve card left.
How to get better at Racing Demon
Tip 1
Move a demon card whenever a legal opening appears—it is the main route to ending the round.
Tip 2
Notice which foundation ranks your opponent is feeding so you can prepare the next card.
Tip 3
Avoid spending too long perfecting work piles while easy shared-foundation moves are available.
Frequently asked questions
Is Racing Demon the same as Nertz?
The names describe the same family of simultaneous patience games. This version uses the same layout and scoring as our Nertz table.
Why is it called Racing Demon?
The name reflects the game’s defining feature: everyone races at once instead of taking turns.
How do I win a round?
Empty your demon reserve, call the round, and finish with the highest score after foundation cards and remaining reserve cards are counted.
Do I need another player?
No. You can challenge the computer at three speeds as well as play online.
Nertz / Nerts
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Double Solitaire