Read the whole layout first
Before your first move, look down every column. You can see exactly which cards are buried and how deep. Note where the Kings and Queens are, and which columns hold several cards of the same rank, because those are the ones that will be hard to clear.
Plan the whole run
- Each time a new card lands on the waste, count how far you could go before you play anything. Runs can go up and down, so 5, 6, 5, 4, 3 is one run.
- When two cards fit, try each in your head. The right first card often decides whether a run lasts two moves or eight.
- A run that also uncovers the next card you need is worth more than a slightly longer one that doesn't.
Spread your moves across the columns
It's tempting to keep taking from one column because its cards line up. But a column of five holds four cards you can't reach yet. Taking evenly from all seven keeps the most choices at the bottom of the columns, which gives every new waste card a better chance of fitting somewhere.
Watch out for Kings
- In the classic rules, only a Queen can lead to a King, and nothing follows it except another Queen. A King dropped on the waste usually ends your run.
- So play a King when the run would end anyway, not in the middle of a good streak.
- A King buried deep in a column is a real problem. Work that column down early, while there are still Queens around to reach it.
- With “King to Ace” on, a King leads to an Ace and runs can keep going, so Kings stop being a dead end.
Keep a card in reserve
If an 8 and a 6 could both go on a 7, play the one that leads somewhere and leave the other. After the next stock card, the card you kept back may be exactly what starts a new run.
Save the stock
- The stock goes round only once, with 16 cards after the first waste card. Each one you turn without using is a chance gone.
- Only turn a stock card when the table has no move at all.
- Near the end, count what's left in the stock. If it's low, go for the moves that clear the most cards rather than the flashiest run.
Play for a low score
Clearing the whole table is rare. Most of the time the real game is to finish with as few cards left as possible. Three cards left is a good game. Treat every deal like a hole of golf, and try to beat your score over a round of nine.
When you're stuck
- Undo back to the last stock card and try the run in a different order.
- Note the deal number and use Restart. Since every card is face up, the only surprises are in the stock, and the second try lets you plan around those too.