Double Fourteens

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Double Fourteens Solitaire is to remove all cards from the tableau by pairing cards whose ranks total exactly 14. The game is won when all cards have been successfully paired and removed according to this rule.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Use two standard 52-card decks (totaling 104 cards).
• Tableau: Arrange 18 tableau piles:
  • The first fourteen piles each receive six cards.
  • The remaining four piles each receive five cards.
• Card Orientation: All cards are dealt face-up at the start of the game.
• Play Areas:
  • Tableau: The main area with 18 piles of cards.
  • Waste Pile: Removed pairs are placed here.
  • Foundation: A single area where removed pairs are stacked for tracking progress.
• Playable Cards: Only the topmost card of each tableau pile is available for pairing and removal.

Double Fourteens Solitaire Rules:

• Pairing Principle: Cards are removed in pairs whose combined ranks equal 14.
  • Card values: Ace = 1, 2–10 = face value, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13.
  • Valid pairs:
    • King + Ace
    • Queen + 2
    • Jack + 3
    • 10 + 4
    • 9 + 5
    • 8 + 6
    • 7 + 7
• Movement Restrictions:
  • Only the top card of each tableau pile is available for pairing.
  • Cards may not be moved between tableau piles.
  • No building or sequencing is permitted on the tableau.
• Empty Spaces: If a tableau pile becomes empty, it remains empty and cannot be refilled.

Gameplay:

• Turn Sequence:
  • Identify available pairs among the top cards of the tableau piles that total 14.
  • Remove paired cards and place them in the waste pile or foundation.
  • Continue pairing and removing cards until no more valid pairs are available.
• Introducing New Cards:
  • There is no stock or reserve; all cards are in play from the start.
• When No Moves Remain:
  • If no pairs totaling 14 are available among the top cards, the game ends.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning: The game is won when all cards have been successfully paired and removed from the tableau.
• Losing/Unwinnable State: The game is lost or considered unwinnable if no more valid pairs totaling 14 can be made and cards remain on the tableau.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Tableau Piles: Empty tableau piles must remain empty; no cards may be moved or dealt into these spaces.
• No Tableau Construction: There is no building up or down, nor any movement of cards between tableau piles.
• Pairing 7s: Two 7s may be paired together, as 7 + 7 = 14.
• No Redeal: There is no redeal or secondary deal; play proceeds only with the initial layout.
• All Cards Face-Up: Since all cards are dealt face-up, there is complete information available to the player at all times.

Summary of Key Terms:

• Tableau: The main play area with 18 piles of face-up cards.
• Waste Pile/Foundation: Area where removed pairs are placed.
• Pairing: The act of removing two cards whose ranks total 14.
• Top Card: The uppermost card of each tableau pile, available for pairing.

This guide provides a precise and comprehensive overview of the rules and gameplay mechanics for Double Fourteens Solitaire, ensuring clarity for both new and experienced players.