Aces and Kings - a two-deck solitaire game with ascending and descending foundations

Game overview

Aces and Kings is a solitaire card game that challenges players to strategically arrange cards across multiple piles. Using two standard decks of playing cards, the objective is to build eight foundation piles: four ascending from Ace to King and four descending from King to Ace, regardless of suit.

Game layout

Foundations

There are eight foundation piles, divided into two sets:

• Four piles start with Aces and are built up to Kings.
• Four piles start with Kings and are built down to Aces.

Reserve piles

Two reserve piles, each containing thirteen face-up cards. Cards in these piles can only be moved onto the foundations.

Tableau

The tableau consists of four piles, each starting with a single face-up card. Cards from the tableau can only be moved to the foundations.

Stock and waste piles

The remaining cards form the stock pile. Players draw from the stock to the waste pile, where the top card is available for play.

Rules and gameplay

• Cards from the tableau and reserve piles can be placed on the appropriate foundations.
• Empty tableau spaces are filled immediately with a card from the stock pile.
• Once the stock is exhausted, players must continue with the remaining cards in play, as there is no redeal.
• Players can move the top card between foundation piles if they fit the required rank progression.

Winning conditions

The game is won when all cards are successfully moved to the foundations. Due to its complexity and reliance on strategic planning, the win rate is estimated to be around 10%, even for experienced players.

Game variations

Several variations of Aces and Kings exist, offering different levels of difficulty:

• Deuces and Queens
• Acey and Kingsley
• Five Little Guys
• Racing Aces - a three deck version
• Double Aces and Kings - a four deck version

Why play Aces and Kings?

• Unique solitaire mechanics with both ascending and descending foundation piles.
• Challenging gameplay that requires strategic planning and careful card management.
• Multiple variations available, catering to different skill levels.

If you're looking for a solitaire game that offers more complexity than traditional versions, Aces and Kings is an excellent choice!