Fan Solitaire

Open Deck Strategy • 18 Fans • Elegant Logic
Fan Solitaire Game

Step into the open-air layout of Fan Solitaire. With every card visible from the start, this game removes the element of luck and replaces it with pure, strategic calculation. Can you clear the fans and build the foundations?

PLAY NOW

How to Play

1

The Fan Layout

A standard 52-card deck is dealt face-up into 17 "fans" of three cards each, with a final fan containing only one card. Every card in the game is visible from the deal.

2

Same-Suit Building

In the tableau, you can move cards onto others of the same suit in descending order (e.g., place a 9 of Hearts on a 10 of Hearts). Only the top card of a fan is playable.

3

Foundations by Suit

The objective is to move all cards to the four foundation piles, building them up from Ace to King by suit.

4

The King's Rule

Empty tableau spaces created by clearing a fan can only be filled by a King. This makes King management one of the most critical parts of your strategy.

Common Questions

Is Fan Solitaire winnable?
Because the game is entirely "open" (no hidden cards), most games are winnable with the right sequence of moves. It is widely considered a true test of planning.

What is the difference between Fan and La Belle Lucie?
In some versions of La Belle Lucie, you can reshuffle the cards, whereas Fan Solitaire typically requires you to play with the initial deal, emphasizing the "one-shot" logic challenge.