Chinese Solitaire

Chinese Solitaire is an engaging solitaire variant that combines aspects of Scorpion Solitaire and Yukon Solitaire, offering a modified tableau structure and a smaller stockpile. The objective is to move all 52 cards into the four foundation piles, following suit in ascending order from Ace to King. The game introduces limited stock usage, unrestricted tableau movement, and a high level of difficulty, making it a strategic challenge for solitaire enthusiasts.

Game Setup and Layout

The game board consists of three key sections:

• Tableau (Main Play Area): Seven tableau columns, each starting with seven cards.
• The first three columns have all cards face-up.
• The fourth column has the top four cards face-up.
• The fifth column has the top three cards face-up.
• The sixth column has the top two cards face-up.
• The seventh column has only the top card face-up.

• Stockpile (Reserve Cards): The remaining three cards are placed in the stockpile. These cards are played by dealing them into the first three tableau columns when activated.
• Foundation Piles: Four empty piles where cards must be built in ascending order by suit.

How to Play Chinese Solitaire

Moving Cards in the Tableau

• Sequence cards in descending order and alternating colors (e.g., a 5 of spades can be placed on a 6 of hearts).
• Face-down cards are flipped face-up when there are no cards covering them.
• Any face-up card and the cards stacked below it can be moved together, regardless of order (similar to Yukon Solitaire).
• Empty tableau columns can only be filled with Kings.

Transferring Cards to the Foundation

• Only Aces can begin a foundation pile.
• Subsequent cards must be one rank higher and of the same suit (e.g., a 2 of hearts can only be placed on an Ace of hearts).

Using the Stockpile

• The three stockpile cards can be used at any time.
• When activated, they are dealt onto the bottom of the first three tableau columns.
• It is best to use the stockpile only when no other moves are available.

Winning the Game

• The game is completed when all cards are moved to the foundation.
• If no valid moves remain and the stockpile is exhausted, the game ends.

Strategy Tips for Success

• Prioritize flipping face-down cards: The sooner you reveal hidden cards, the more moves you have available.
• Avoid creating locked sequences: If a higher-ranked card is placed above a lower one in the same suit, it may become impossible to move.
• Use the stockpile wisely: Do not activate stockpile cards unless there are no other strategic moves.
• Clear tableau columns when possible: An empty column allows a King to be placed, helping reorganize sequences.
• Watch out for deadlocks: If three sequential cards of the same suit are stacked in the wrong order, the game may become unwinnable.

Game Difficulty and Winning Chances

Chinese Solitaire is considered more difficult than Klondike and Yukon Solitaire due to its limited stock usage and restrictive tableau movement. Statistical analysis of 1,987 randomly generated games showed that only 15.25 percent were won, making it a challenging game for experienced players.

Similar Solitaire Variants to Try

• Scorpion Solitaire: Similar tableau movement but allows full sequences to be moved.
• Yukon Solitaire: Allows moving any face-up card and the ones beneath it, like Chinese Solitaire.
• Spider Solitaire: Uses multiple suits and requires sequences to be completed before moving to the foundation.
• Russian Solitaire: A harder version of Yukon with same-suit sequencing rules.
• TriPeaks Solitaire: A fast-paced variation focusing on clearing pyramidal structures.

Play Chinese Solitaire on Solitaired

For players seeking a unique and challenging solitaire experience, Chinese Solitaire offers an engaging mix of strategic card sequencing, limited stock moves, and deep problem-solving elements.

On Solitaired, the game features:

• Daily challenges with solvable decks
• Full-screen gameplay with smooth controls
• Undo options for improved playability
• A tracking system for wins and progress

Try playing Chinese Solitaire today, challenge your strategic thinking, and see if you can master its complex sequences!