Cromwell

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Cromwell Solitaire is to build eight foundation piles, each ascending from Ace to King in the same suit, using all cards from the tableau.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Cromwell Solitaire uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total).
• Tableau: Deal the cards into 26 tableau piles (sometimes called "fans" or "columns"), with four cards face-up in each pile at the start.
• Foundations: There are eight foundation piles (one for each suit in both decks), initially empty. Aces are automatically moved to the foundations as soon as they are dealt, so some tableau columns may start with fewer than four cards if an Ace is dealt.
• Stock, Reserve, Cells: Cromwell Solitaire does not use a stock, reserve, or cell area. All cards are in the tableau or foundations from the start.
• Face Orientation: All cards in the tableau are dealt face-up.

Key Play Areas:

• Tableau: The main play area with 26 piles.
• Foundations: Eight piles, one for each suit, built from Ace to King.

Cromwell Solitaire Rules:

• Tableau Building:
• Cards are built down in value and by suit within the tableau (e.g., 7♠ on 8♠).
• You may move single cards or sequences in correct descending suit order between tableau piles.
• Foundations:
• Foundations are built up by suit, starting from Ace and ending with King.
• Aces are automatically moved to the foundation when dealt.
• Movement:
• Only cards or sequences in descending order and matching suit may be moved between tableau piles.
• You may move any valid sequence (e.g., 10♦, 9♦, 8♦) as a group.
• Empty Columns:
• Empty tableau columns cannot be filled; once a column is empty, it remains empty for the rest of the game.
• "Merci" Draw:
• Once per game, you may use the "Merci" (draw) feature to move any card to the bottom of any tableau pile. This is a one-time action and should be used strategically.

Gameplay:

• Typical Sequence of Actions:
• Move available Aces to the foundations (automatically done).
• Build cards down by suit in the tableau, moving single cards or valid sequences as permitted.
• Move cards to the foundations whenever possible, following ascending suit order.
• Rearrange tableau piles to expose and free up cards needed for foundation building.
• Use the "Merci" feature once per game to reposition a crucial card.
• Introducing New Cards:
• No new cards are introduced; all cards are dealt at the start. The only exception is the "Merci" move, which allows one card to be repositioned.
• No More Legal Moves:
• If no legal moves remain and the "Merci" feature has already been used, gameplay ends.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning Condition:
• The game is won when all cards are moved to the eight foundation piles, each completed from Ace to King in suit.
• Losing Condition:
• The game is lost (or becomes unwinnable) if:
  • No further legal moves can be made in the tableau.
  • The "Merci" feature has already been used.
  • Not all cards have been moved to the foundations.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Spaces:
• Empty tableau columns cannot be filled under any circumstances.
• "Merci" Feature:
• The "Merci" button may be used once per game to move any card to the bottom of any tableau pile. This is the only way to bypass a blocked card and should be used with caution.
• Automatic Ace Movement:
• Aces are automatically moved to the foundation when dealt, which may result in some tableau columns starting with fewer than four cards.
• Locked Cards:
• Be aware that cards may become "locked" beneath sequences that cannot be moved, especially since empty columns cannot be refilled and only one "Merci" move is allowed.
• Duplicate Cards:
• Since two decks are used, there are two of each card. This increases the challenge and requires careful planning to avoid blocking crucial cards.

Summary of Unique Features:

• Two-deck game with 26 tableau piles.
• Build down by suit in the tableau; build up by suit in the foundations.
• Empty columns remain empty; cannot be refilled.
• One-time "Merci" move to reposition any card.
• Automatic Ace transfer to foundations upon dealing.

These rules define the distinct gameplay and strategic challenges of Cromwell Solitaire.