Canfield Solitaire - Card Game Rules & Strategy

Canfield Solitaire is a fun yet challenging card game where you build foundation piles in a specific order. Also known simply as the Canfield game or Demon Patience and Demon Solitaire, this game is named after its inventor, Richard Canfield. It’s a fast-paced version of solitaire. This game tests your strategy and patience with every move. With its unique setup and rules, Canfield Solitaire keeps you hooked. Understanding the rules and the gameplay is a crucial first step.

How to Play Canfield Solitaire

Let's understand how to play the classic Canfield Solitaire game.

Objective

In Canfield Solitaire, you must move all 52 cards into four foundation piles, each built up by suit in a specific order starting from a random base card. You use the tableau, reserve pile, and stock cards strategically to uncover and organize cards. But the aim is to complete all foundations successfully.

Canfield Solitaire Setup

In the canfield solitaire game, you will come across five types of piles:

Reserve Piles

Here, you deal 13 cards face down in a pile. Then, you flip only the top card face up. This is the only one you can use at first. As you use the top card, the next face-down card must be turned face-up.

Foundation Base Card

You must deal 1 card face up next to the reserve pile. This card sets the starting point for all four foundation piles. For example, if it’s a 5♣, you will build up, such as 5♣, 6♣, 7♣... A♣, 2♣, 3♣, 4♣.

Tableau Piles or Playing Area

Here, you must deal 4 cards face up in a row below the reserve pile. These are your working piles. You will build cards in descending order and in alternating colors, like you usually do in solitaire games.

Stock Pile

The rest of the cards go face down in a separate pile. This is your draw pile. If you are playing online, it will be in the upper left corner.

Waste Pile

When you draw cards from the stock, they go to the waste pile if not immediately used.

Allowed moves

• In Canfield Solitaire free online, you can build the foundation piles upward in the same suit, starting from the base card dealt at the beginning.
• You can only place a card in the foundation if it is the next higher card of the same suit.
• In the tableau, you can build cards downward in alternating colors, such as red on black or black on red.
• In the Canfield card game, you can only move one card at a time within the tableau.
• If a tableau pile becomes empty, you must fill the space with the top card from the reserve pile, if available.
• You can play the top card from the reserve pile to either the tableau or the foundation.
• You can draw one card at a time from the stockpile and play it if it fits in the tableau or foundation.
• If you cannot play the card drawn from the stock, it goes to the waste pile.
• If it follows the rules, you can play the top face-up cards from the waste pile to the tableau or foundation.

Required moves

1. You must move a card to the foundation pile if it is the next card in sequence and suit. For example, if the foundation shows 5♥ and you have 6♥ available, you must move it there.
2. If the reserve is not empty, you must fill an empty tableau space with the top card from the reserve pile. So, if a tableau column is empty and the reserve still has cards, you must place the top reserve card into the empty spot.
3. You must follow the foundation order, even if it means not playing a card in the tableau. So, if you have a card that fits both in the tableau and the foundation, you must place it in the foundation.
4. You must move the top reserve card if there is an open space and no other valid moves are available. For example, if no other moves are possible and a tableau column is empty, you must move the top reserve card into it.

Time and Moves

When you play Canfield Solitaire, remember it is usually not timed, so you can play at your own pace. Some online versions may show a timer, but it’s just for tracking and not a limit.

Also, there is no fixed move limit. You can make as many moves as needed to complete the game. Fewer moves usually mean a more efficient strategy.

Canfield Solitaire Rules

• The game is played with one deck of cards.
• The game starts with one foundation card, setting the base rank for all suits.
• You must get up in a suit, wrapping from King to Ace if needed.
• You must build tableau columns down in alternating colors.
• You can only move one card at a time in the tableau.
• Empty tableau spaces must be filled with the top card from the reserve.
• Draw one card at a time from the stock, and move playable cards to the tableau or foundation.
• The top card of the reserve is always available to play.
• All four foundation piles must follow the same starting rank. So, if the base card is 6♦, all foundations must start with 6 and go up by suit.
• Unlike other solitaire games, you cannot move sequences or stacks in the tableau, but only single cards.

Strategies to Win Canfield Solitaire

Here are a few strategies to win the Canfield Solitaire Free online and offline. Use them the next time you play Canfield solitaire!

• Always move a card to the foundation if it fits, as this clears space and brings more cards into play.
• Only play the top reserve card when it helps your foundation pile or opens up better moves. Don’t rush.
• Try to empty tableau columns early so you can place reserve cards or open up more play options.
• Remember, Canfield card game is not a gambling game but requires a robust strategy. So, keep track of the foundation’s base rank and build in that order. Wrap from King to Ace when needed.
• Don’t waste moves flipping through the stock. Only draw when you have checked for better plays in reserve or tableau.
• Place cards in the tableau in a way that allows more future moves and not just any available option.
• If only the last card is a high-ranking card, like a King or Queen, avoid moving it too early. Try to build around it in the tableau to eventually create an empty column or uncover lower cards underneath.
• Before making a move, check if it blocks other cards or if better options are available when playing Canfield Casino. A smart pause saves moves later.

How difficult is Canfield Solitaire?

The Canfield game is considered moderately difficult compared to other solitaire games. Its difficulty arises from a few key factors, such as limited moves and reserve pile management. Here, you only move one card at a time, which limits the immediate options and requires careful planning.

Then, you must also manage the reserve pile wisely, as each card is crucial for future moves. Filling empty tableau spaces with the reserve pile is vital, but progress can stall quickly if you don't have a suitable card.

Unlike other solitaire games, you can't move sequences of cards in Canfield, so you often need to rely on single-card movements.

So, while it's not as hard as games like Spider Solitaire, it can be quite challenging, especially when you have to think ahead and strategize carefully!