Solitaire is traditionally known for being one of the most popular single-player card games. It has, however, evolved and branched into various forms over the years. Among these, Double Solitaire arguably stands out as the most simple, yet revolutionary, take on the classic Klondike Solitaire. The only real difference is that now a second player can join the game.
Double Solitaire’s uniqueness lies in its deviation from the fundamental premise that Solitaire is a one-player game. After all, the name ‘Solitaire’ translates to ‘solitary’ in French, making the term ‘Double Solitaire’ something of an oxymoron. Solitaire players have actually been laying out the cards for this game for several centuries. However, its popularity soared with the advent of personal computers in the 20th century.
It’s not hard to see why this variant took off. Personally, I can thank Double Solitaire for helping create some of the fondest memories I have from days spent with high school buddies. When played with close friends or family, the game represents the perfect blend of competitiveness and fun, one that’s difficult to replicate in other card games. So, let me tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating game.
How to Play Double Solitaire
Now that I’ve briefly introduced Double Solitaire, you’re probably eager to learn how to play it with your friends. The game is straightforward and easy to pick up, with only a few simple rules that you must keep in mind. If you’re already familiar with versions like Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, then you’ll have a head start on the rules.
Interestingly, I was playing a version of this game long before I was aware it had an official name. When my friends visited, we would play Double Solitaire, albeit with nonsensical, made-up rules. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered that two-player Solitaire actually has a name and a specific set of rules.
Before we go over the rules and how to play, it’s essential to understand how the game is set up on the table. Here’s what you need to know.
Game Setup
- Needless to say, the game is designed for two players. So, each player will need a standard 52-card deck. I recommend using decks with different card-backs for easy distinction.
- Each player starts with a layout of seven piles of cards. The first pile has one card face-up, the second pile has one card face-up and one face-down, the third pile has one card face-up and two face-down, and so on, until the seventh pile has one card face-up and six cards face-down.
- The remaining cards will form the stock.
- The game also includes foundation piles in the center. You will create and fill these piles during the gameplay.
- You’ll also create a discard pile by flipping up one card from your stock at the end of your turn.
Game Rules
- The goal in the game is to be the first to build and move all your cards to the middle foundation piles.
- Foundation piles start with Aces and build up to Kings. There are eight foundation piles – two for each suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades).
- You build the foundation piles by placing cards in ascending order, regardless of the color.
- During your turn, you can move cards within your layout or to the foundation piles.
- You can fill an empty space in the layout with a King.
- Cards in the layout can be stacked in descending order if they have alternating colors.
- A turn ends by flipping up one card from the stock deck to start a discard pile.
- You can play the top card from your discard pile to the layout or foundation piles.
- When your stock deck is empty, you can flip over your discard pile and use it as your stock deck.
- The first player to move all their cards to the foundation piles wins.
- If both players can’t make any moves, then the player with the most cards in the foundation piles wins.
Tips and Strategies for Winning at Double Solitaire
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are Double Solitaire masters. While the experience of playing the game in itself is rewarding and enjoyable, some players want to take their expertise to the next level. Whether this applies to you or not, it’s a good idea to read up on what the experts say after you’ve familiarized yourself with the basic rules of any card game.
I’ve had the good fortune of stumbling on some useful Double Solitaire tips and tricks. Employing these strategies can be a game changer. I went from losing about 90% of the games I played to an impressive win rate of around 55%. I’m much more confident playing this game now that I’m implementing these strategies:
| Strategy | Details |
| Don’t take your eyes off the foundation piles. | The quicker you can move your cards to these piles, the closer you are to winning the game. Don’t get too involved in arranging the cards in the layout – they’re just a means to an end. |
| Use tableau cards first. | Before using the extra cards in the stock, ensure that all possible moves in the main stacks have been exhausted. This helps keep the game clean, organized, and understandable. |
| Clear Aces and Dueces early on. | Moves Aces and Dueces to the foundation piles as soon as possible. This not only helps clear space but also helps you build foundation piles early on. |
| Prioritize larger stacks. | Aim to free up face-down cards from the largest stacks first. This will give you access to more cards, increasing the number of potential moves you can make. |
| Group similar suits together. | Try to keep the same suits in the same stacks. This will help keep the layout organized, which will make your life much easier. |
Conclusion
Having stood the test of time, Double Solitaire remains one of the simplest, yet most engaging, card games to enjoy with friends. Try it next time you have a gathering with friends or family (perhaps at the next barbecue). You’re now equipped with the perfect game to showcase your card-playing prowess!
