Martha

Alternating Visibility • 12-Column Tableau • Strategic Patience
Martha Solitaire

Martha Solitaire is a member of the Baker's Dozen family, known for its high win rate and relaxing pace. Using a single deck dealt into 12 columns, it features a unique "staggered" layout where cards alternate between face-up and face-down. This provides a perfect balance of strategy and discovery without the pressure of a difficult "Beleaguered Castle" style game.

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How to Play

1

The 12-Column Setup

All four Aces are moved to the foundations immediately. The remaining 48 cards are dealt into 12 tableau piles of 4 cards each. In each pile, the 1st and 3rd cards are face-up, while the 2nd and 4th are face-down.

2

Build the Sequence

Tableau piles are built down in alternating colors (e.g., a Black 9 on a Red 10). Entire sequences can be moved as a single unit, making it very flexible.

3

Empty Piles

Empty tableau piles can be filled by any single card, but not a group of cards. This rule encourages you to use spaces wisely to break up difficult stacks.

4

Fill the Foundations

Build all four foundation piles up by suit from Ace through King. The game is won when every card has been moved to its corresponding royal house.

Martha Briefing

Is there a stock pile?
No. In Martha Solitaire, the entire deck is dealt out into the foundations and the tableau at the start. It is a "no-stock" game.

What makes it different from Baker's Dozen?
While Baker's Dozen deals all cards face-up into 13 piles, Martha uses 12 piles and hides half the cards, adding a layer of surprise and discovery to the gameplay.