Double Solitaire Rules & How to Play: Become a Two-Player Card Shark

Double solitaire: it’s like regular solitaire, but instead of battling your own impatience, you’re going head-to-head with a friend. And trust me, friendship sometimes gets a little competitive when cards are on the line. So, if you’re ready to double the fun (and maybe the trash talk), this is your complete guide to crushing the competition. We’re laying down the rules, breaking down the gameplay, and giving you the edge to win – because nobody likes being the sore loser of solitaire. Let’s play!

I. What is Double Solitaire?

Double solitaire transforms the classic game into a strategic duel. Two players race to build foundation piles, turning a quiet pastime into a battle of skill.

II. Setting Up Double Solitaire

Grab two standard card decks (no jokers!). Each player builds a tableau:

1. Shuffle: Mix each deck thoroughly.
2. Deal: Create seven piles of cards. The first pile has one card face up. The second has one face down, then one face up. Continue this pattern, adding one more card to each pile (the seventh will have six face down and one face up).
3. Stockpile: The remaining cards become each player’s face-down stockpile.
4. Foundation Piles: Leave space above the tableau for the Aces.

III. Double Solitaire Rules

The goal of double solitaire is to be the first to build all four foundation piles (Ace to King in each suit). Here’s the flow of the game:

1. First Turn: Decide who goes first.
2. Draw: Players draw one card per turn from their stockpile.
3. Card Placement:
   • Build descending sequences on the tableau. (Example: A 6 on a 7).
   • Cards in a sequence must alternate colors (red on black, black on red).
   • You can move sequences of cards between tableau piles, following the same rules.
4. Aces: Move Aces to the foundation area as soon as they’re available.
5. Unplayable Cards: Discard unplayable cards.
6. Victory: The first to complete all four foundation piles wins!

IV. Double Solitaire in Action: A Sample Turn

You draw a red 7. Scan your tableau for any black cards higher than a 7. Find a black 8? Place the 7 on it!

Did that move reveal a face-down card? This creates a cascade opportunity – move more cards to reveal and potentially use others.

Here’s a pro tip for all you aspiring champions: don’t be afraid to hold back! Sometimes, that tempting Ace is better off waiting in your hand until you’ve got the two to build on it – you don’t want your opponent swooping in and completing their foundation pile first. Remember, in double solitaire, it’s not just about playing by the rules – it’s about playing your opponent!

V. Variations of Double Solitaire

Okay, so you’ve mastered the art of standard double solitaire—congratulations, you’re a force to be reckoned with! But the world of card games is vast and ever-evolving. Ready to spice things up? Let’s explore some electrifying variations that’ll have you and your opponent battling for card supremacy in whole new ways!

The Shared Tableau Variation

Prepare for a whole new level of intensity! In this thrilling twist on double solitaire, players share ONE tableau. That’s right, you’re both fighting for control of the same building spaces, and every card you uncover could be a blessing for you…or a gift to your opponent.

Forget those neatly organized personal tableaus – this is a free-for-all! Every move you make could inadvertently help your opponent, so strategic thinking and a healthy dose of ruthlessness are essential.

Imagine this: the tension is palpable, you’re both one card away from victory, and you BOTH need a black 10 to create that glorious, game-ending cascade. Suddenly, that face-down card in the shared tableau becomes the most coveted prize. Do you use your turn to try and uncover it, praying it’s the 10 of Spades? Or do you play it safe, risking that your opponent will get to it first? The Shared Tableau variation is a pressure cooker of strategic decision-making!

The “No Peeking” Hand Variation

If you think double solitaire is all about quick thinking, get ready for a brain-bending challenge! In this variation, you’re only allowed to peek at the top card of your stockpile ONCE at the beginning of your turn. After that, it’s all about memory, deduction, and maybe a little bit of luck.

No more relying on those readily available visual cues – this variation forces you to engage your memory and make calculated risks. Do you remember having that Jack of Diamonds, or are you about to make a move based on wishful thinking?

For example, you sneak a peek at your stockpile and spot a Queen of Hearts. Perfect! Now, if only you could find that elusive Jack of Spades to free up your trapped King. But wait – did you see that Jack earlier, or are you just imagining things? This variation will put your memory and strategic thinking to the ultimate test!

VI. Tips for Winning Double Solitaire

Alright, ready to transform those rookie moves into power plays? Let’s talk strategy, people:

1. Aces: To Hold or Not to Hold?

You might be tempted to slam that Ace down on the foundation pile the second it appears – and hey, I get it, it feels powerful. But hold on a sec! Sometimes, that Ace is more valuable as a bargaining chip. Let’s break down the scenarios:

Let’s say you’re in the early game, your opponent is building their foundation piles like crazy, and you’re stuck with an Ace and no two in sight. Don’t panic! That Ace is your secret weapon. Holding onto it prevents your opponent from immediately placing any cards of that suit. They might even waste valuable moves trying to free up their two, giving you time to catch up.

But beware, holding onto an Ace too long can backfire. What if your opponent manages to build up their other foundation piles while you’re sitting on that Ace? Suddenly, they’re one card away from victory, and you’re left scrambling. Or worse – what if you never even find the two? Now you’ve missed valuable opportunities to build your other piles.

So, how do you decide? Here are some things to consider:

• How many foundation piles does your opponent have? The more they have, the riskier it is to hold onto an Ace.
• How deep are your stock piles? If you’re running low, playing your Ace might be the safer bet.
• What cards are visible on the tableau? Do you see a chance to free up your two soon? If so, holding onto the Ace might be worth the gamble.

Mastering the art of the Ace hold-off is a sign of a true double solitaire strategist. It requires a keen understanding of risk assessment, a dash of poker face, and maybe even a little bit of luck. But hey, isn’t that what makes card games so much fun?

2. To Uncover, or To Build? That is the Question!

You’ve got a 5 of Hearts begging to be placed on that 6 of Spades, but wait—you could also play your 4 of Hearts onto its foundation pile! Don’t panic, this happens all the time in double solitaire. Here’s how to choose your move like a true tactician:

• Uncover for Victory: If your opponent is one card away from victory and you NEED a specific card (hello, King, I need you to clear this mess!), prioritize uncovering. That face-down card could be your miracle worker.
• Uncover for the Cascade: Sometimes, the allure of a satisfying chain reaction is just too strong. If your opponent is lagging behind and you see a chance to create a multi-card cascade by uncovering a key card, go for it! Those big plays are what make double solitaire so satisfying.
• Build for Speed: If your opponent is miles behind or you’re feeling confident, build those foundation piles! The faster you build, the less time they have to catch up.

3. The King’s Gambit: Don’t Be a Pawn!

The King – he can clear a path, open up opportunities, be a real game-changer…OR he can leave you vulnerable if played at the wrong time. Here’s the royal treatment for your King moves:

• The Two-Card Rule: NEVER move a King to an empty tableau spot unless you have at least one, preferably TWO, cards ready to take advantage of that new space. A lonely King is just asking for trouble.
• Think One Step Ahead: Before moving that King, ask yourself: Will this empty space help me create a cascade on my NEXT turn? Or am I just giving my opponent a prime spot to make a power play? Don’t let them outmaneuver you!

4. Stockpile Savvy: It’s All Psychological Warfare

See that look in your opponent’s eyes? They NEED an 8. And guess what? You have one buried in your stockpile. Resist the urge to be a good sport. Here’s how to use that stockpile to your advantage:

• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Draw from your stockpile strategically, not frantically. Force your opponent to waste precious turns while they hope and pray for that 8 to appear. Who knows, they might even uncover something that helps YOU in the process!
• Don’t Be Too Greedy: Of course, there’s a balance. If you wait too long to use a key card and your opponent wins, you’ll be kicking yourself. Weigh your options carefully.

5. An Empty Tableau Pile? Seize the Opportunity!

An empty pile on the tableau is like finding a $20 bill on the sidewalk—it’s an unexpected gift! Don’t squander it:

• King Me: That empty space is prime real estate for a King. Even if you can’t create an epic cascade right away, getting a King in position opens up future possibilities. It’s all about long-term vision, my friend!
• Time is of the Essence: Don’t let that empty spot sit there too long! Your opponent is just as eager to take advantage of it as you are. The longer you wait, the higher the chance they’ll make a move before you can.

VII. FAQs

1. Can you play double solitaire with more than two players?

Technically, you could try a three-player free-for-all, but honestly, it might just be easier to start a second game – things could get a little too crazy with three people battling over the same foundation piles.

2. How many rows of cards do you deal out in solitaire?

For a standard game of double solitaire, you’ll deal out seven glorious rows of cards for each player. It’s all about finding that balance between a manageable challenge and total card chaos, you know?

3. What if I’m hooked on two-player card games now?

Oh, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of games out there that involve a little friendly competition. Cribbage, Gin Rummy, Spades—the options are endless!

4. What Happens if We BOTH Run Out of Stockpile Cards Before Anyone Wins?

Ah, the dreaded stalemate! It’s rare, but it happens. In double solitaire, if neither player can make any more moves from their tableau or stockpile and no one has completed all four foundation piles, the game ends in a draw. Time for a rematch to settle the score!

5. Can I Use an Empty Tableau Spot to Move a King, Even if it Doesn’t Reveal Any Face-Down Cards?

Great question! In most versions of double solitaire, moving a King to an empty tableau space is only allowed if it directly leads to uncovering at least one face-down card. So, if that King move won’t flip any hidden cards, you’ll have to find a different strategic play.