Acme Solitaire

The Peak of Strategy • 13-Card Reserve • Precise Tableau Logic
Acme Solitaire

Acme Solitaire is a high-level strategic variant that blends the mechanics of Canfield with the building rules of traditional patience. With a 13-card reserve pile and only four tableau columns, every move counts. It is designed for players who enjoy "tight" games where foresight is rewarded over luck.

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How to Play

1

The Setup

Four cards are dealt into the tableau, and 13 cards are dealt into a reserve pile (the "Acme" pile). The first card dealt to the first foundation determines the starting rank for all four foundations.

2

Build the Foundations

Build the foundations up by suit, wrapping from King to Ace if necessary. If the base rank is a 4, you build: 4, 5, 6... K, A, 2, 3.

3

The Tableau Rules

Build the tableau down by alternating colors (e.g., a Black 8 on a Red 9). Only the top card of a tableau pile or the top card of the reserve is available for play.

4

Clearing the Reserve

When a tableau column is empty, it is automatically filled by the top card of the reserve. Once the reserve is empty, spaces can be filled by any card from the waste pile.

Expert Intelligence

Is Acme winnable?
Yes, but it is difficult. It is significantly more challenging than Klondike but offers more control to the player than standard Canfield.

Wrapping Sequences:
Remember that foundations and tableau piles wrap. In the foundations, Kings are followed by Aces. In the tableau, Aces are followed by Kings (of the opposite color).