Accordion Solitaire is a classic card game played with a standard 52-card deck. The game gets its name from the way the cards shift and stack, similar to how an accordion compresses and expands. Unlike other solitaire games, which involve building sequences, in Accordion Solitaire, one matches and stacks cards while keeping track of the playing field.
The game may be played within some few minutes up to over thirty minutes depending on how keen a player one may be. Sure, there's luck, but strategy will seal the deal for you.
The goal in Accordion Solitaire is to merge all of the cards in one single pile by removing the cards based on the game rules of matching moves.
Shuffle and Deal
First things first, shuffle a standard deck of 52 cards.
Deal the cards in a face-up single row from left to right, laid out in one continuous line to form the playing field.
Game Objective
The goal is to move all 52 cards into one pile by following the matching and movement rules.
In Accordion Solitaire, there is a certain matching rule that allows the moving of cards. In the game, two types of movements are permitted:
A card can be moved on top of another if it is either:
The same suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades)
The same rank-e.g., two Queens or two Sixes
A card can jump onto the card immediately before it (one position to the left).
A card can jump three places back, to the fourth card from its current position, provided it satisfies the matching rule.
If you have the following sequence:
(Ace of Spades) – (Ace of Hearts) – (Ace of Spades) – (Ace of Clubs)
Since both are of the same rank, Ace of Hearts may be moved onto the one preceding it, Ace of Spades.
Since both are of the same rank, Ace of Clubs may be moved onto an Ace of Spades.
By continuing to place cards this way, all 52 cards should hopefully build up into one pile.
While a little luck is associated with Accordion Solitaire, most of the game involves making good decisions. Here are a few strategies that will help ensure your best chance of winning:
Look at any move after having re-evaluated choices because moving the wrong card may potentially block some future moves in a game's same play afterwards.
Take the minor heaps first, where alternative choices are open for moving the cards. Do away with less bulk so that in the play later, one is flexible and can afford better moves out.
Will this move limit my future options or block a key card I need?
Letting spaces open between stacks increases flexibility when navigating cards around as the game winds down. A little patience to merge piles during the first sets can avoid premature closure of future options.
Accordian Solitaire is quite an entertaining game for lovers of strategy and problem-solving. Here's why you should give it a shot:
Easy to Learn yet Deep Strategy: Techniques are easy, while planning and strategy are deep.
No Special Equipment Required: The game requires only a regular 52-card deck of cards.
Perfect for Solo Play: Great for passing time in solitude or improving logical thinking.
Quick to Learn, Hard to Master: Games can take anywhere from a few minutes up to over 30 minutes.