How to Play Double Solitaire – Guide with Tips, Quiz And Video

What You Need

• Two standard decks of cards
• A suitable playing area for two players

Who Can Participate

Double Solitaire is perfect for anyone who enjoys the traditional Solitaire game but wants a more social, competitive experience. It can be played by any two players, such as friends or family members.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Setup

1. Each player shuffles their own deck of cards.
2. Create a tableau of seven columns per player, with the first card face up and the remaining cards face down, dealing one additional card per column sequentially.
3. Place the remaining cards in a stockpile next to each player’s tableau.
4. Leave space for the foundation piles, which will be shared by both players.

2. Game Start

1. Determine who goes first by flipping a coin or drawing the highest card from the stockpile.
2. During their turn, a player moves cards within their tableau or to the foundation piles, adhering to Solitaire rules.
3. Turns end by drawing a card from the stockpile to the waste pile.

3. Gameplay

1. Players take turns playing cards to their tableau or the shared foundation piles.
2. You can only move cards if they adhere to descending alternating color rules.
3. Players can move cards to any foundation pile, even if initiated by the opponent.
4. If the stockpile runs out, the waste pile is flipped to be reused without shuffling.

4. Winning the Game

1. The game ends when one player moves all their cards to the foundation piles.
2. If neither player can make a move, the one with the fewest cards remaining wins.

Try Your Skills Here:

Variations or Alternatives

Single-player Double Solitaire can be played with two decks by yourself. Deal out nine columns instead of seven to accommodate the extra cards, and follow the same rules.

Tips and Strategies

• Expose Face-Down Cards Early: Aim to reveal and play face-down cards quickly.
• Utilize All Eight Foundation Piles: Keep an eye on all eight foundation piles to maximize card movement.
• Be Strategic with King Placement: Fill empty tableau spots with kings wisely.
• Avoid Unnecessary Moves: Only make moves that contribute to your strategy.

Quiz

Interactive Scenario

You and your opponent are both out of stockpile cards. However, you have managed to build up three foundation piles considerably. It's your turn and you have an empty tableau spot. What should you do?

Answers & Explanations

Option A: By looking for a king to fill the empty spot, you can continue making moves in your tableau and possibly gain an upper hand over your opponent.

Option B: Shuffling the tableau is not allowable under the rules and would not offer any strategic advantage.

Option C: Waiting does not optimize your current turn and wastes potential moves.

Option D: Maximizing foundation moves is always a good strategy but does not address the need to fill the empty tableau.

Additional Resources

For more information, check out these resources:

• How to Play Double Solitaire on MobilityWare
• Double Solitaire Rules
• Double Klondike on Wikipedia
• Double Solitaire Games on Solitaire Paradise

Conclusion

Double Solitaire introduces a fun, competitive element to the classic Solitaire game. Its easy setup and simple rules make it an excellent choice for card game enthusiasts looking for a twist on the traditional game. Explore the strategies, practice with friends, and become a Double Solitaire expert!