Solitaire games come in many forms, each with its own unique challenges and strategies. Fortress Solitaire is a variation that closely resembles the well-known Klondike Solitaire, but with a key difference: all cards are visible from the beginning. This makes it a highly strategic game that requires planning rather than relying on luck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play Fortress Solitaire, its rules, and the best strategies to win.
Fortress Solitaire is a patience card game that gets its name from the way the tableau is arranged—in columns that resemble castle walls. The game is similar to Klondike Solitaire, but instead of drawing cards from a stockpile, all the cards are laid out at the start, giving you full visibility of the game state.
To play Fortress Solitaire, you need a standard 52-card deck (Jokers removed). The game is set up as follows:
Shuffle and deal all 52 cards face-up into 10 columns (also known as the tableau).
The first six columns get five cards each.
The remaining four columns get four cards each.
The four foundation piles start empty and will be built in ascending order (Ace to King) by suit.
You can only move the topmost card from each column to another column or foundation pile.
No new cards can be drawn, so all moves must be made using the cards already visible in the tableau.
Empty columns cannot be filled, which makes every move crucial.
Objective: Move all the cards to the foundation piles, stacking them in ascending order from Ace to King while following the same suit.
Move only the top card from a column to either a foundation pile or another column.
You can place a card only on a card of the same suit and one rank higher (e.g., move ♥5 onto ♥6).
Aces should be moved to the foundation piles as soon as possible.
Once a column is emptied, it cannot be refilled, making it essential to plan ahead.
Prioritize Moving Aces to the Foundations – This opens up more moves and helps in organizing the tableau efficiently.
Focus on Freeing Up Lower-Ranked Cards – Since you cannot draw new cards, it’s crucial to make smaller-ranked cards available early.
Avoid Emptying Columns Prematurely – Since empty columns cannot be refilled, be cautious about removing the last card unless it leads to a strong advantage.
Think Multiple Moves Ahead – Because all cards are visible, the game rewards careful planning rather than luck.
A Purely Strategic Game – Since all cards are visible, success depends entirely on planning rather than chance.
Challenging and Engaging – The game requires deep thinking, making it perfect for players who enjoy a good mental workout.
Quick and Fun – Games are usually shorter than Klondike Solitaire, making it great for short breaks.
Fortress Solitaire is a fantastic option for solitaire enthusiasts who enjoy strategic decision-making. With careful planning and the right moves, you can conquer the fortress and complete the game!