Baker’s Dozen Solitaire is a fun and strategic solitaire game that offers a unique challenge for card game enthusiasts. Unlike traditional solitaire, this game has open information, meaning all cards are visible from the start. However, you cannot move stacked cards, making strategic planning crucial for success.
If you love skill-based solitaire games that require careful moves and logical thinking, Baker’s Dozen Solitaire is a must-try! In this guide, we’ll cover the rules, setup, strategies, and expert tips to help you master the game.
The goal of Baker’s Dozen Solitaire is to move all 52 cards to the foundation piles, building each suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
However, the challenge lies in the restrictions on moving cards and the fixed tableau, which requires precise decision-making.
Baker’s Dozen Solitaire is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, arranged as follows:
There are four foundation piles, one for each suit.
The goal is to build up each foundation from Ace to King in order.
The entire deck is dealt into 13 tableau columns, with four cards in each column.
All cards are face-up, meaning there’s no hidden information.
Kings are moved to the bottom of their columns automatically at the start of the game.
Only the top card of each column is available for play.
You cannot move stacks of cards, making individual card movement crucial.
Baker’s Dozen Solitaire follows straightforward but restrictive movement rules:
You can move a card to a foundation pile if it follows the suit and is the next rank in sequence.
For example, a 2 of Hearts can be placed on an Ace of Hearts.
Only the topmost card of each column can be moved.
Cards can be placed onto other tableau columns in descending order, regardless of suit.
You cannot move a sequence of stacked cards, making each move highly strategic.
Empty columns remain empty you cannot fill them with new cards.
You win when all 52 cards are moved to the foundation piles in correct order.
If you run out of moves and the foundation is incomplete, the game is lost.
Winning this game requires smart planning and efficient card movement. Here are some expert strategies to help you succeed:
Since Aces are needed to start the foundation piles, move them as soon as possible.
Similarly, try to free up 2s and 3s early to keep building the foundation.
Since Kings are moved to the bottom automatically, they might block useful cards.
Focus on removing high-value cards early to free up the tableau.
Since all cards are visible, always think multiple moves ahead.
Avoid moves that trap lower-ranked cards under higher ones.
Empty columns remain empty, meaning fewer options for movement.
Be strategic about when to clear a column and ensure it benefits future moves.
Some layouts may be impossible to complete if cards are moved carelessly.
Take your time and consider every possible move before committing.
Baker’s Dozen Solitaire is considered a medium-difficulty solitaire game, with most games being winnable if played correctly.
Since all cards are visible, players can plan their moves ahead, making strategy more important than luck. However, poor planning can quickly lead to an unwinnable state, so careful decision-making is key.
Baker’s Dozen Solitaire is a fun and intellectually stimulating game that offers a perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.
With open information, strategic movement, and limited mobility, every game is a unique puzzle requiring careful thought and smart planning.
If you enjoy strategy-based solitaire games, give Baker’s Dozen Solitaire a try and see if you can beat the odds!