Maria

104-Card Tactical Solitaire • 9 Tableau Columns • Alternate-Color Building
Maria Solitaire

Maria is a masterful two-deck solitaire game that rewards careful calculation and spatial planning. Often compared to Forty Thieves, Maria introduces a more flexible alternate-color building rule in its 9 tableau columns, offering a strategic depth that keeps veteran players coming back for more.

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How to Play

1

The 9-Column Setup

Two full decks (104 cards) are used. The game begins with 36 cards dealt into 9 tableau columns (4 cards each). All tableau cards are face-up and available for play.

2

Building Foundations

Build the eight foundation piles up by suit, starting with the Ace and ending with the King. You must complete two sets for each suit to clear the board.

3

Tableau Maneuvers

Build tableau columns down in alternating colors (e.g., a Black 7 on a Red 8). Unlike some other variants, only one card can be moved at a time from the top of a pile.

4

Stock and Waste

Deal cards one at a time from the stock to the waste pile. Empty tableau spaces are vital; any card can be moved to an empty column to unlock buried sequences.

Tactical Briefing

How is Maria different from Forty Thieves?
In Forty Thieves, you build by suit in the tableau. Maria is generally considered more approachable because you build by alternating colors, which creates significantly more move possibilities.

Top Tip:
Always look for moves within the tableau before drawing from the stock. Preserving the stock as a late-game resource is often the difference between victory and defeat.