Which playing card replaces the question mark?
2025
Which playing card replaces the question mark?

- A.
7 of Clubs
- B.
9 of Clubs
- C.
Jack of Spades
- D.
Queen of Diamonds
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Every card in the grid carries a signed value: red cards (hearts, diamonds) count as positive and black cards (clubs, spades) count as negative, with face cards valued Ace = 1, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13. In each column of three cards, the value of the bottom card equals the sum of the signed values of the two cards above it.
Check the rule on a column that is already complete: in the third column, the top card is 8 of Hearts (+8) and the middle card is 4 of Hearts (+4); their sum is +12, and the bottom card is Queen of Hearts, which as a red Queen (value 12) is +12 - the rule holds.
Check it again on the fourth column: the top card is King of Diamonds (+13) and the middle card is 2 of Clubs (-2); their sum is +11, and the bottom card is Jack of Diamonds, which as a red Jack (value 11) is +11 - the rule holds again.
Apply the same rule to the last column: the top card is 4 of Clubs (-4) and the middle card is 5 of Clubs (-5); their sum is -4 + (-5) = -9.
A signed value of -9 must come from a black card of rank 9. Among the four options, only 9 of Clubs has rank 9 and a black suit.
Cross-check: both cards already placed in this column (4 of Clubs and 5 of Clubs) are Clubs, so the missing card being a Club as well is also consistent with how this column is built - confirming 9 of Clubs as the card that replaces the question mark.