How to Play the Real Double Solitaire

Solitaire – universally defined in a games permutation as a card game to be played by one person.

Double Solitaire – An oxymoron by any definition? Perhaps; but also maybe one of the most fun and competitive card games for two.

While variations of this game exist, and some by the same name bear no resemblance to my version, here are instructions for an age-old stand-by.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Regular deck of 52 playing cards

1. Double Solitaire play makes use of a typical deck of fifty-two playing cards. The premise is that one is somewhat familiar with play for the typical game Solitaire, which involves playing cards of opposite color in order from King down to two, and conversely from Ace (as the number one) up to King.
   
   The object of the game is to be the first player to dispose of all cards by playing them onto the playing field. Initially the central playing field consists of four cards, with Aces being played perpendicular to the side to form a secondary playing field.

2. Shuffle cards several times. Deal twenty-four cards in a single stack face down to each player, leaving four cards not dealt.
   
   Array these remaining four cards face up between the two players to form the central playing field. **See photo of initial deal

3. 
   Beginning Plays by Player One

   First player begins play by looking at the array to determine if any cards can be played.
   
   In this sample, the Ace of hearts has been dealt onto the original central playing field.
   
   Player one moves the Ace of Hearts onto the Aces field, leaving a space on the central playing field.
   
   Contrary to the rules of regular solitaire (which stipulate that only a King may be played into a space) any card may be played into a space. In this instance, no card has been turned yet, so the first card turned by player one will be played, if not in a legal play onto another card, into the empty space.
   
   Legal play consists of playing a card of opposite color onto the next highest card. Player one’s first play turns over the black Queen. (See photo – Black Queen has been played onto red King).
   
   Suit does not matter when playing opposite colors onto the central playing field. However; when playing onto the Aces field, suits must match. For example, Two of Clubs onto the Ace of Clubs.
   
   Player one then turns over the red queen, which is then moved into the open space.

4. Play continues with player one turning over cards until a card is turned which will not play anywhere.

5. 
   Play Continues with Array in Decreasing Order

   Player two begins play, turning over the Ace of Clubs, which is played onto the Aces playing field.
   
   Play continues with each player making plays as possible, then play passes to the next player.
   
   Notice the new array of cards, played downward onto the central playing field, and upward onto the Aces playing field.

6. The game is completed when one player has successfully played all his or her cards onto the playing field to win the game.
   
   All cards need not be played onto the Aces field.

7. A variation on the rules allows for play to be made ONTO your opponent’s discard stack. For example, your opponent has a Queen of Diamonds discarded. You then turn over a Jack of Clubs. You may play the black Jack onto your opponent’s red Queen, thus adding to his number of cards.
   
   Decide beforehand on this option, as well as whether play onto an opponent’s discard stack can be made either up or down. For example, whether the higher red Queen can be played onto a black Jack.
   
   This can backfire if you reach a point where a red Queen is showing on your discard stack and your opponent turns over a black King.

Tips & Warnings

• Players holding multiple Kings are at a disadvantage, as the King may be played only into an empty space, or as the final card of its suit on the Aces field.
• This is a great game for young children, as it requires identification by numbers and letters of the alphabet, as well as application of critical thinking skills.
• Do not inform your opponent of missed plays. (Unless, of course you are teaching the game to a novice or a child).

[momose]

on 10/14/2009 In reply to exhandr: At the beginning of your turn, definitely check your face up card on the discard pile first to see if that card can be played. And as for the other points you made, it is the same as we play, except that playing on the opponent's discard pile is an option to be decided at the beginning of play. It can greatly add to the challenge of the game and make for a more spirited competition. Good points, exhandr, and thanks!

[exhandr]

on 10/14/2009 Finally! I found the written rules, but nobody seems to know the actual name of this game. I play this game quite often, so a question: At the start of a turn, when looking at the array on the playing field, if you have a face up card in your discard pile, is it playable before you draw from your stock? The way we play, you have to satisfy all possible plays on the table (except of course the opponent's discard stack) before drawing from your stock.

Also if you draw from your stock a card that is playable on two possible places, i.e. the playing field vs the Aces pile vs the opponent's discard stack, priority first goes to the aces pile, second to the playing field, third to the opponent's discard stack.

[bailey4]

on 9/9/2009 Great detailed directions. Different from the game my Gram taught me, but it sounds like it would be fun to try. 5*

[kristara]

on 6/2/2009 Great solitaire instructions