Fortress Solitaire is a unique and strategic variation of classic solitaire, offering a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience. Unlike traditional solitaire games, Fortress Solitaire allows more freedom in movement, but at the same time, it requires careful planning to win.
If you're looking for a solitaire game that challenges your strategic thinking, Fortress Solitaire is the perfect choice! In this guide, you'll learn how to play Fortress Solitaire, its rules, and expert tips to improve your winning chances.
Fortress Solitaire is played with a single standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to move all cards to the foundation piles in ascending order by suit (Ace to King).
Foundation piles: Four empty spaces where Aces will be placed to start building up each suit (♠ ♥ ♦ ♣).
Tableau: Eight columns, each containing six face-up cards.
Stock and waste piles: Unlike many solitaire games, Fortress Solitaire does not have a stock pile, meaning you must rely on moves within the tableau.
The game gets its name from the setup, which resembles a fortress, as all cards in the tableau are visible from the start.
The goal is to move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles by following the rules below:
You must start building the foundation piles with Aces (A) when available.
Cards are placed in ascending order and must match the same suit (e.g., ♠A → ♠2 → ♠3 → … → ♠K).
Cards can only be moved one at a time.
Unlike other solitaire variations, you can move any top card from a column to another column in descending order (but not by suit).
Allowed: ♠9 → ♥10
Not Allowed: ♠9 → ♠10 (must be different suits).
In Fortress Solitaire, you cannot fill an empty tableau space with any card, unlike in games like Klondike.
Instead, empty spaces remain blocked, making it more difficult to maneuver cards.
Fortress Solitaire may seem easy at first since all tableau cards are visible, but the lack of a stock pile makes it much harder. Here are some expert strategies to help you succeed:
Since the goal is to build foundations from Aces to Kings, try to free Aces as soon as possible.
Low-numbered cards (2, 3, 4) should be moved closer to the foundation piles early in the game.
Once a column is empty, you cannot place any card there, so avoid emptying a column too soon.
Instead, try to keep multiple columns open for better maneuvering options.
If you can place a card directly onto a foundation pile, do it immediately!
This helps clear up space in the tableau, making future moves easier.
Since all cards are visible from the start, take a moment to analyze your options before making a move.
If moving a card blocks an important pathway, reconsider your strategy.
Moving high-value cards (J, Q, K) too soon might block important low-value cards from being placed in the foundation piles.
Keep high cards in play until they naturally fit into the sequence.
If you enjoy Fortress Solitaire but find it too difficult, you may want to try these alternative versions:
Castle Solitaire: Similar gameplay but with the ability to refill empty tableau spaces, making it easier.
Citadel Solitaire: A relaxed version where you can move sequences of cards, instead of just one at a time.
Stronghold Solitaire: A variant where fewer cards are placed in the tableau at the start, giving more room for strategic moves.
Each version offers a slightly different experience while maintaining the core Fortress Solitaire mechanics.
If you're looking for a solitaire game that requires strategy, patience, and forward-thinking, Fortress Solitaire is a great choice.
Plan your moves carefully
Free up space without losing mobility
Use every possible foundation move to your advantage