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Game Rules Index

How to play Canfield Solitaire

1 deck. Average. Unlimited redeals.

Canfield Solitaire

Canfield Solitaire

× Canfield Solitaire

Canfield Solitaire uses 52 cards (1 deck). 13 cards are counted out from the deck of 52 cards. The top card is open. This is the reserve pile. The next four open cards are tableau piles. The next card is placed above. It will be the starter card of the foundations. The three cards of the same rank in the deck will be placed next to it during play as soon as they become available.

The object of the game
To build the foundations up in suit until each pile contains thirteen cards.

The rules
You can fill up foundations using the top card of the reserve or tableau piles. You can move cards from one tableau pile to another, and from a reserve pile to a tableau pile in descending sequence of alternating suit colors. You can move either a single card or a set of cards. When one of the tableaus becomes empty it will be filled immediately with a card from the reserve pile.

When you have made all the moves initially available, begin turning over cards from the stock pile. 3 cards at a time are turned over from the stock. You can move cards from the stock pile to tableaus or foundations following the rule above.

The stock pile can be turned over as many times as you wish.

History of Canfield Solitaire

Canfield is named after the well known nineteenth century gambler Richard A. Canfield, who created this game to play in casino. Casino players could buy a deck of cards for $52 and get $5 for every card played to the foundations.

Winning strategy tips

  1. Prioritize emptying the reserve pile: Clear the reserve pile first as it is the most limiting factor in the game.
  2. Delay drawing from the Stock: Refrain from drawing from the stock until necessary, maximizing flexibility.
  3. Strategic tableau management: Manipulate the tableau to create productive moves, freeing up blocked cards and creating empty spaces.
  4. Use reserve pile wisely: Only play cards from the reserve pile if it significantly advances the game.
  5. Focus on chains of actions: Look for potential sequences and chains of actions to guide your decisions.

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Alternative names

  • Demon
  • Thirteen