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Easthaven Solitaire

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Easthaven Solitaire - A Classic Card Game Blending Klondike and Spider Solitaire Mechanics

What is Easthaven Solitaire?

Easthaven Solitaire is a popular card game that combines elements from both Klondike and Spider Solitaire. Originally known as "Aces Up," the game challenges players to organize a deck of 52 cards, arranging them in descending order while alternating colors to ultimately build four foundation piles from Ace to King.

This game is similar to Westcliff Solitaire in terms of structure, but Easthaven adds its own unique mechanics that make it both engaging and strategically challenging.

Gameplay

Objective

The goal of Easthaven Solitaire is to move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, arranging them by suit in ascending order from Ace to King. To achieve this, players must manage cards within the tableau and strategically draw from the stockpile.

Setup and Play Area

The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards and consists of several key areas:

  • Foundation piles: These four piles serve as the ultimate goal, where cards must be stacked by suit from Ace to King.
  • Tableau: The main playing area consists of seven columns, each containing three cards at the start of the game, with the last card in each column face-up.
  • Stock pile: The remaining 31 cards form the stock pile. Players deal seven cards at a time from the stock into the tableau, continuing until all cards are used.
  • Waste pile: Unlike some solitaire variations, Easthaven Solitaire does not have a waste pile.

Available Moves

Players can make the following moves during the game:

  • Move cards within the tableau: Cards can be arranged in descending order while alternating colors. For example, a 7 of Spades can be placed on top of an 8 of Hearts.
  • Transfer cards to the foundation: The last card of each tableau column can be moved to the foundation pile if it follows the correct suit sequence.
  • Move multiple cards: Sequences of cards can be moved together as long as they follow the alternating color rule.
  • Fill empty tableau columns: When a tableau column is empty, only a King or a valid sequence of cards starting with a King can be placed there.
  • Draw from the stock pile: If no more valid moves exist, players can deal seven more cards from the stockpile to the tableau.

The game is won when all cards are successfully placed in the foundation piles.

Strategy and Tips

Move Aces to the Foundations Early

Whenever an Ace becomes available, move it to the foundation as soon as possible. This clears up space in the tableau and allows for better card maneuverability.

Plan Before Drawing from the Stock Pile

Since cards drawn from the stock pile are placed directly into the tableau, they can sometimes block existing moves. Always check if there are any useful moves before drawing new cards.

Focus on Freeing Low-Ranking Cards

Since foundations are built from Ace to King, try to uncover and move low cards to the foundation quickly to free up more playable options.

Balance Foundation Building

Avoid fully building one foundation too early, as this reduces the number of cards available to create valid sequences in the tableau.

Use Empty Columns Wisely

Empty tableau columns are valuable for rearranging cards. If possible, free a column early to allow more flexibility in moving sequences.

Only Place Kings in Empty Columns

Since Kings cannot be placed on top of other cards, be strategic when moving them. Always ensure an empty column is available before relocating a King.

Comparison to Other Solitaire Variants

FeatureEasthaven SolitaireKlondike SolitaireSpider Solitaire
Deck Used52 cards52 cards104 cards
Tableau Structure7 columns, 3 cards each7 columns, only the last card face-up10 columns, most cards face-down
Card MovementDescending order, alternating colorsDescending order, alternating colorsDescending order, same suit
Stock Pile RulesDeals 7 face-up cards at a timeDeals 1 or 3 cards at a timeDeals cards to every column
Difficulty LevelMediumEasy to mediumHard

Game Duration and Winning Odds

The average game takes about 8 minutes to complete. Due to the strategic nature of the game and the randomness of the dealt cards, the win rate is estimated to be around 1 in 20 games, making it more challenging than Klondike but easier than Spider Solitaire.

Final Thoughts

Easthaven Solitaire is a captivating game that combines the familiar mechanics of Klondike Solitaire with the dynamic card distribution of Spider Solitaire. It requires a balance of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to master.

For those who enjoy a solitaire game with a medium level of difficulty and strategic depth, Easthaven Solitaire is an excellent choice. Try it out and see if you can successfully move all cards to the foundation piles!

Where to Play Easthaven Solitaire and Other Card Games

If you enjoy playing solitaire games, you can visit Solitaired to play Easthaven Solitaire, Klondike Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, and many other card game variations. The platform offers unlimited free games, allowing you to practice, improve your strategy, and enjoy classic card games anytime.