Canfield Solitaire is one of the most exciting and challenging variations of Solitaire. Unlike other versions, it requires a combination of strategy, patience, and calculated moves to win. The game is known for its unique setup and its low chance of winning, making it a favorite among advanced players who enjoy a real challenge!
In this guide, we’ll go over the rules, setup, strategies, and expert tips to help you master Canfield Solitaire and increase your chances of winning.
The goal of Canfield Solitaire is to move all 52 cards to the foundation piles in ascending order, following the same suit. However, due to the limited number of available moves at a time, you need to think ahead and plan carefully to avoid getting stuck.
Unlike other Solitaire games where you can freely build tableau columns, Canfield Solitaire has strict rules for moving cards, making it one of the toughest variations.
Canfield Solitaire is played with a single deck of 52 standard playing cards, arranged in a unique layout:
Four foundation piles start with a randomly chosen card.
The goal is to build each suit from this starting rank up to the King, then wrap around to the Ace (e.g., if the starting card is a 7, the sequence will be 7-8-9-10-J-Q-K-A-2-3-4-5-6).
Foundations must follow suit.
Four tableau columns each contain one face-up card at the beginning.
Cards in the tableau must be built in descending order and with alternating colors (similar to Klondike Solitaire).
Only the top card of each tableau pile is available for play.
Empty spaces in the tableau must be filled with cards from the reserve.
A stack of 13 cards is placed face-up as the reserve pile.
Only the top card of the reserve is available for play at any time.
The reserve pile is crucial for freeing up cards and making strategic moves.
The remaining 34 cards form the stockpile.
Cards from the stock are drawn one at a time and placed in the waste pile.
The top card of the waste pile is available for play.
The game begins with a randomly selected card in the foundation piles.
Try to build up the foundation piles following the suit order.
Since the reserve pile is a limited resource, use its cards strategically.
Only move cards from the reserve when they help build foundation piles or clear tableau spaces.
Arrange tableau cards in descending order and alternating colors (e.g., a black 8 can be placed on a red 9).
If a tableau column is emptied, it must be filled with a card from the reserve pile before any other move can be made.
The stockpile can be cycled through multiple times in most rule variations.
Use the waste pile cards effectively to continue building the tableau and foundation.
The game ends when all cards are moved to the foundation, or no more moves are possible.
Since Canfield Solitaire has a low win percentage, strategic planning is essential!
To win Canfield Solitaire, all 52 cards must be moved to the foundation piles in the correct sequence.
Since the tableau is limited and reserve cards cannot be reordered, many games are unwinnable, making each victory even more rewarding!
Prioritize Moving Reserve Cards
Avoid Blocking the Tableau
Be Cautious About Empty Columns
Think Before Drawing from the Stockpile
Cycle Through the Stockpile Wisely
Several rule variations exist for Canfield Solitaire, making the game easier or harder:
Demon Solitaire: A harder version where stockpile cards are drawn three at a time.
Chancellor Solitaire: Allows tableau columns to be built in any order, making it easier to play.
Storehouse Solitaire: The reserve pile has only 7 cards instead of 13, increasing available moves.
Each variation changes the difficulty and strategy, offering a different challenge for Solitaire fans!
Canfield Solitaire is one of the most difficult and strategic Solitaire games, requiring skill and careful decision-making. Since not all games are winnable, players must optimize every move and use the reserve pile wisely to increase their chances of success.
If you're looking for a Solitaire challenge that tests your patience, planning, and strategic thinking, Canfield Solitaire is the perfect game for you!