Crescent Solitaire - Card Game Rules & Strategy

Crescent Solitaire is a two-deck card game known for its distinct arc-shaped layout that resembles a crescent moon—hence the name. Also called La Demi-Lune, it presents a blend of structure and strategy that challenges players to think ahead.

Beginners? You should learn exactly how to play the Crescent Solitaire game, from set up to making smart moves that increase your chances of winning.

How to Play Crescent Solitaire Game

The crescent solitaire classic is played with two decks of cards, containing 104 cards. The cards are arranged into tableau piles, ascending foundations, and descending foundations.

Objective

The main goal of the Crescent Solitaire game is to move all the cards from the outer crescent-shaped tableau piles onto the foundation piles. You win the game when no cards remain in the tableau, and all foundation piles are completed in proper order.

How to Set Up the Crescent Solitaire Game

At the beginning of the Crescent Solitaire card game, a total of 96 cards are dealt face-up into 16 tableau piles. The tableau is arranged in a crescent shape around the foundations. Each pile contains six cards.

The eight foundation piles are placed at the center—four foundations start with Aces, and the other four foundations start with Kings. There are four ascending foundations and four descending foundations.

The four foundations that begin with Aces must be built up sequentially from Ace to King, following the same suit. Meanwhile, the foundations that start with Kings must be built down from King to Ace, also maintaining suit consistency.

Every card in the tableau is dealt face-up. Players can gently drag cards away to peek at the cards underneath.

If you are playing Crescent Solitaire online, the setup remains the same. No extra markings or changes required.

Available Moves and Play Area

• You can move one card at a time between tableau piles if it is of the same suit and one rank higher or lower than the top card of the destination pile.
• The crescent solitaire game allows for wrapping around; you can place an Ace on a King and vice versa within the tableau.
• Cards can be moved freely between the tableau piles to build sequences and uncover necessary cards.
• Cards can also be moved away from the foundations back to the tableau piles when strategic advantage demands it.
• Use the Shuffle button when no more moves are available; the bottom card of each tableau pile is moved to the top. Game modes may allow 9, 6, or 3 shuffles depending on difficulty (Easy, Medium, Hard).
• Focus on uncovering cards within the tableau piles before using the Shuffle option to maximize your chances of winning the Crescent Solitaire online experience.

Rules of the Crescent Solitaire Game

• Only the top card of each tableau pile is available for play in the Crescent Solitaire game.
• Cards can be moved between tableau piles by building up or down in the same suit.
• Only one card can be moved at a time between tableau piles.
• Empty tableau spaces cannot be filled with new cards.
• When no more moves are available, click the empty stockpile to restack the cards.
• During restacking, the bottom card of each tableau pile is moved to the top.
• You are allowed three redeals in Crescent Solitaire Classic.

Strategy to Win the Crescent Solitaire Game

• Plan your moves carefully and think a few steps ahead before making a move. Focus on uncovering as many cards in the crescent as possible without blocking important sequences.
• Pay close attention to the foundation piles. Always build in the correct ascending or descending order to avoid locking yourself in.
• Use the Shuffle button wisely. The best time is when you have very limited moves left.
• Whenever you have a choice between multiple possible plays, choose the move that keeps more options open across different piles.
• Be patient and methodical. Careless moves can block important plays and reduce your chances of winning.