Chessboard

The Strategist's Layout • Dynamic Foundation Entry • Precise Ranking
Chessboard Solitaire

Chessboard Solitaire is an intellectual card challenge where all cards are available for play, but only the most calculated moves will lead to victory. With a layout that resembles a grand strategic board, you must build foundations based on a starting rank, requiring sharp focus and superior planning.

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How to Play

1

The Chessboard Deal

Cards are dealt face-up into a grid formation. Unlike classic solitaire, you can see all available moves from the start, but you can only move the outermost cards of each pile.

2

Establish the Base

The first card moved to the foundation sets the "Base Rank" for the game. For example, if you lead with a 6, all four foundations must begin with a 6 of their respective suits.

3

Building Foundations

Build the foundations up by suit, wrapping around from King to Ace (e.g., 6, 7, 8... K, A, 2, 3, 4, 5). You must complete all 13 cards for each suit to win.

4

Tableau Maneuvers

Cards in the tableau can be moved onto other tableau piles if they are one rank higher or lower, regardless of suit. This flexibility is key to uncovering the cards you need for the foundations.

The Chessboard Guide

Is Chessboard harder than Klondike?
It requires more calculation. Because all cards are face-up, there's no luck involved in "drawing" the right card—the challenge is entirely in the order of your moves.

Wrapping Rule:
Don't forget that sequences wrap! If your foundation starts at 4, the order will be 4 through King, then Ace through 3.