Algerian Solitaire: Play The Two-Deck Patience Challenge

Introduction

In the vast world of solitaire card games, where hundreds of variations compete for the attention of players, Algerian Solitaire stands apart as one of the most uniquely difficult and strategically demanding challenges in the genre. Known also as Algerian Patience, this two-deck solitaire game has been puzzling and delighting card players for over a century, offering a level of complexity that tests even the most seasoned solitaire veterans. First recorded in 1905 by the mysterious figure "Tarbart," Algerian Solitaire has maintained a quiet but devoted following among those who appreciate deep strategy, careful planning, and the satisfaction of a hard-won victory.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to master Algerian Solitaire, from its unique layout and complex rules to advanced strategies for maximizing your chances of winning.

Game Overview and Premise

What is Algerian Solitaire?

Algerian Solitaire is a patience or card solitaire game played with two standard decks of 52 playing cards, for a total of 104 cards. Unlike traditional Klondike solitaire, which uses a single deck and builds foundations from Ace to King, Algerian Solitaire features a more intricate structure with eight foundation piles—four built upward from Ace to King and four built downward from King to Ace, all in matching suits.

The game is widely regarded as one of the most difficult solitaire variants available, with odds of winning stacked against the player. The "odds against" classification from Parlett's 1979 anthology confirms what experienced players already know: Algerian Solitaire is a game that demands patience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to accept defeat and try again.

The Origins of Algerian Solitaire

The game first appeared in print in 1905, recorded by an author identified only as "Tarbart". After this initial documentation, references to Algerian Solitaire became scarce, appearing only infrequently in the following decades. It wasn't until David Parlett included the game in his 1979 anthology of card games that Algerian Solitaire received renewed attention. Despite its limited historical footprint, the game has persisted, finding new life in the digital age through online platforms and mobile apps.

Why "Algerian"?

The name "Algerian" is something of a mystery, as the game does not appear to have any direct connection to the North African country. Some sources suggest the name may have been chosen simply for its exotic appeal, a common practice among card game inventors of the era. Regardless of its naming origins, Algerian Solitaire has carved out a unique identity as one of the most challenging and rewarding solitaire variations in existence.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The Layout

Algerian Solitaire features a distinctive layout that sets it apart from other solitaire games.

The Foundations (Top Row)

At the top of the layout sits a row of eight foundation piles. The four foundations on the left are built upward in suit:

• A♥, 2♥, 3♥, 4♥ ... K♥

The four foundations on the right are built downward in suit:

• K♣, Q♣, J♣, 10♣ ... A♣

Some versions of the game start with the four Aces and four Kings already placed on the foundations at the beginning of the game. Other versions require players to found these starting cards as they appear during play.

The Tableau (Middle Row)

Below the foundations is the tableau, consisting of eight piles arranged in a row. In the initial deal, four of these piles contain one card each, and the other four contain two cards each. Only the topmost card of each tableau pile is available for play.

The Reserve (Bottom Row)

Below the tableau are six reserve piles, each initially containing four cards. Like the tableau, only the topmost card of each reserve pile is available for play. Cards from the reserve can be moved to the tableau or foundations, but cannot be moved to other reserve piles.

The Stock (Draw Pile)

The remaining cards form the stock pile. When no more moves are available on the tableau or reserve, players deal two cards from the stock onto each reserve pile. When only eight cards remain in the stock pile, these are dealt one card to each tableau pile instead of the reserve. There is no redeal—once the stock is exhausted, the game is over.

The Rules of Play

Moving Cards

Cards can be moved in the following ways:

• To Foundations: Cards can be moved from the tableau or reserve to the foundations, following the upward or downward suit sequences.

• Between Tableau Piles: Cards can be moved from one tableau pile to another, building up or down in suit. For example, a 4♦ can be placed on a 5♦ (building down) or on a 3♦ (building up).

• Cards are moved singly, not in sequences.

• Cards from the reserve can play onto the tableau or foundations, but not onto other reserve piles.

Wrap-Around Play

A unique feature of Algerian Solitaire is the ability to wrap around in the tableau:

• A King can be placed on an Ace (wrapping from Ace to King)

• An Ace can be placed on a King (wrapping from King to Ace)

This wrap-around mechanic adds significant strategic depth, allowing players to maintain flexibility even when the tableau becomes constrained.

Empty Spaces

When a tableau pile becomes empty, it can be filled with any single card from another tableau pile or the reserve. Empty reserve piles cannot be filled—once a reserve pile is emptied, it remains empty for the rest of the game.

Foundation Transfers

In a special mechanic that further distinguishes Algerian Solitaire, when the foundations of the same suit meet (for example, one foundation builds up A♣, 2♣, 3♣, 4♣, 5♣, 6♣ and the other builds down K♣, Q♣, J♣, 10♣, 9♣, 8♣, 7♣), cards can be transferred between these two foundations. This allows players to consolidate suits and free up additional cards.

Winning the Game

The game is won when all 104 cards have been moved to the eight foundation piles in their correct ascending or descending suit sequences. Given the game's difficulty, this is a rare and satisfying achievement.

Digital Variations

The popularity of Algerian Solitaire has led to the creation of several digital versions, each offering unique features and variations.

Algerian Solitaire on CrazyGames

This version, developed by GamePix (originally by Ravalmatic), was released in December 2016 and is playable on desktop, mobile, and tablet. It features the classic two-deck rules with a clean, modern interface.

Algerian Solitaire by MmpApps

Available on the Apple App Store, this version offers four variations on the classic game:

• Algerian: The classic game where management of the six reserve spots is crucial

• Kingsdown: Allows building on the tableau

• Tournament: A very difficult game where skill comes in managing the reserve spots, with no building allowed on the tableau

• Tournament (Hard): All eight reserve spots are filled at the start

All variations are free to play with no in-app purchases.

Algerian Patience Solitaire (Android)

Available on Google Play, this app features the classic Algerian Patience rules with a modern interface. The in-game instructions explain the rules in detail, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.

Online Browser Versions

Numerous websites host free online versions of Algerian Solitaire, including:

• onga.io: Features simple drag-and-drop controls and clean visuals

• Jopi.com: No download necessary, playable directly in your browser

• SolitaireClassic.org: A puzzle game that challenges true solitaire masters

• PlayMinigame.online: Set in an Algerian desert setting for added atmosphere

Comprehensive Controls Guide

Desktop Controls

Most online versions of Algerian Solitaire support simple mouse-based controls:

Mobile Controls

Mobile versions support touch-based controls:

Touch and Mouse Friendly

Algerian Solitaire is designed to be touch and mouse friendly, supporting both touch gestures and mouse controls for play on phones, tablets, and desktops. The interface adapts to mobile screens for comfortable play.

Advanced Strategy Guide and Playing Tips

Winning at Algerian Solitaire requires more than just understanding the rules. The game demands deep strategic play, requiring multi-step planning and careful sequencing to free key cards and complete foundations. Here are expert tips to improve your chances of success.

1. Prioritize Foundation Building Early

The most important strategy in Algerian Solitaire is to move cards to the foundations as soon as they become available. Building foundations early serves multiple purposes:

• It frees up space in the tableau and reserve

• It reduces clutter in the main row

• It controls the board and prevents cards from getting stuck

However, be strategic about which cards to move first. Prioritize Aces and Kings when building up or down the piles accordingly.

2. Preserve Empty Spaces

Empty tableau spaces are your most valuable resource in Algerian Solitaire. When you create an empty space in the tableau:

• It provides maximum flexibility for moving blocked cards

• It allows you to reorganize sequences more effectively

• It gives you a temporary holding area for strategic maneuvers

Try to preserve at least one empty tableau space throughout the game.

3. Save Wrap-Around Plays for Critical Moments

The wrap-around mechanic (Ace ↔ King) is a powerful tool, but it should be used strategically. Save wrap-around plays for critical situations where they can:

• Turn the tide of a difficult game

• Free a stuck card that is blocking other moves

• Create new sequences that open up additional opportunities

4. Think Before You Move

Unlike simpler solitaire games, every decision in Algerian Solitaire can open or close future moves. Before making a move, consider:

• How it will influence the rest of the game

• Whether it will free or block other cards

• Whether there are better alternative moves

Successful play depends on spotting multi-step chains and preserving mobility across the layout.

5. Don't Rush to Draw Cards

A common mistake is drawing new cards too early. Only draw from the stock when you've run out of good options. Drawing too early can:

• Make the board messy

• Add unnecessary clutter to the reserve

• Reduce your control over the game

Instead, exhaust all available moves on the tableau and reserve before dealing from the stock.

6. Manage Your Reserve Cards Carefully

The reserve is a vital resource in Algerian Solitaire. The six reserve piles initially contain four cards each, and more cards are dealt to them from the stock. However:

• Cards cannot be moved between reserve piles

• Empty reserve piles cannot be filled

This means you must use reserve cards strategically, moving them to the tableau or foundations when possible to create empty reserve spaces that reduce future clutter.

7. Pay Attention to Suit Transfers

When the foundations of the same suit meet (one building up and the other building down), you can transfer cards between them. This mechanic allows you to:

• Consolidate suits more efficiently

• Free up additional cards for foundation placement

• Improve your overall board state

Watch for opportunities to transfer cards between foundations to optimize your position.

8. Plan Several Moves Ahead

Algerian Solitaire is not a game of luck—it's a game of strategy and foresight. To succeed, you must:

• Think several moves ahead

• Anticipate how each move will affect future options

• Avoid breaking useful sequences

The game rewards forward thinking and careful sequencing.

9. Use Free Spaces to Maneuver Large Stacks

Once you have empty tableau spaces, use them strategically to maneuver large stacks of cards. Empty spaces allow you to:

• Temporarily hold cards while reorganizing other sequences

• Break down large stacks into more manageable sequences

• Access cards that were previously blocked

10. Learn from Each Game

Each deal of Algerian Solitaire presents new puzzles and decision trees. Even when you lose, each game offers an opportunity to:

• Identify which strategies worked and which didn't

• Recognize patterns in the initial deal

• Develop better decision-making skills for future games

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main objective of Algerian Solitaire?

A: The main objective is to move all 104 cards to the eight foundation piles—four built upward from Ace to King and four built downward from King to Ace, all in matching suits.

Q: How many decks does Algerian Solitaire use?

A: Algerian Solitaire uses two standard decks of 52 playing cards, for a total of 104 cards.

Q: Is Algerian Solitaire difficult?

A: Yes, Algerian Solitaire is widely regarded as one of the most difficult solitaire variants, with odds of winning stacked against the player. It requires deep strategic thinking, careful planning, and patience.

Q: What are the controls for Algerian Solitaire?

A: On desktop, click and drag a card to move it, or click a card to select it then click the destination pile. On mobile, tap a card to select it then tap the destination pile, or drag a card to place it.

Q: Is Algerian Solitaire free to play?

A: Yes, Algerian Solitaire is available for free on numerous online platforms and as free mobile apps.

Q: Can I play Algerian Solitaire on my phone?

A: Yes, Algerian Solitaire is optimized for mobile play with touch controls and is available on both iOS and Android devices.

Q: What happens when the stock pile runs out?

A: There is no redeal in Algerian Solitaire. Once the stock is exhausted, the game is over, and you can only win if all cards have been moved to the foundations.

Q: Can cards be moved in sequences?

A: No, cards may only be moved singly in Algerian Solitaire, not in sequences.

Q: What is the wrap-around mechanic?

A: The wrap-around mechanic allows tableau piles to wrap from King to Ace or from Ace to King. For example, a King can be placed on an Ace, or an Ace can be placed on a King.

Q: Can empty reserve piles be filled?

A: No, empty reserve piles cannot be filled. Once a reserve pile is emptied, it remains empty for the rest of the game.

Conclusion

Algerian Solitaire stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of challenging card games. With its two-deck complexity, distinctive eight-foundation structure, and demanding strategic requirements, it offers a level of depth that few solitaire variants can match.

First recorded in 1905 and rediscovered in the digital age, Algerian Solitaire has proven its staying power across more than a century. Whether you are a casual solitaire player looking for a new challenge or a seasoned veteran seeking to test your skills against one of the most difficult patience games ever devised, Algerian Solitaire offers a rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience.

The game's unique mechanics—the ability to build both up and down in suit, the wrap-around plays, the strategic management of reserve cards, and the special foundation transfers—create a rich tapestry of strategic possibilities that reward careful planning and foresight. Each deal presents a new puzzle, and each victory is a hard-won achievement.

Mastery of Algerian Solitaire is not achieved through luck but through discipline, patience, and strategic thinking. By prioritizing foundation building early, preserving empty spaces, saving wrap-around plays for critical moments, and planning several moves ahead, you can significantly improve your chances of completing this challenging game.

So shuffle up two decks, deal out the 104 cards, and prepare to test your patience and strategy against one of the most challenging solitaire games ever created. The foundations await, and only the most skilled and determined players will succeed in moving every card to its rightful place.