Inverted FreeCell

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Inverted FreeCell Solitaire is to move all cards from the tableau and cells to the four foundation piles, building each foundation from King down to Ace by suit.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck with no jokers.
• Tableau: Deal all 52 cards face-up into eight tableau columns. Four columns will contain seven cards each; the remaining four will contain six cards each.
• Foundations: Four empty foundation piles are positioned separately. These will be built starting with Kings.
• Cells: Four empty cells are available. Each cell can temporarily hold one card.
• Face Orientation: All tableau cards are dealt face-up; there are no face-down cards in this variant.

Key Play Areas Defined:

• Tableau: The main play area consisting of eight columns where cards are arranged and manipulated.
• Foundations: Four piles where cards are moved in descending sequence by suit, starting with Kings.
• Cells: Four single-card holding spaces used for temporary storage.

Inverted FreeCell Solitaire Rules:

• Card Movement Principles:

  • Only the top card of each tableau column or cell may be moved at any time.
  • Cards can be moved between tableau columns, into cells, or onto the foundations as permitted by sequence rules.

• Foundation Building:

  • Foundations start with a King.
  • Cards are built down by suit (e.g., King♠, Queen♠, Jack♠, …, Ace♠).
  • Only the next lower card of the same suit may be placed on a foundation (e.g., Queen on King).

• Tableau Building:

  • Tableau columns build up by alternating colors (e.g., a red card on a black card, and vice versa).
  • Only the next higher card of the opposite color may be placed (e.g., 4♠ on 3♦).
  • Sequences built up by alternating colors can be moved as a group, provided enough empty cells are available to facilitate the move.

• Cell Usage:

  • Any single card may be moved to an empty cell.
  • Only one card per cell is allowed.
  • Cards in cells can be played back to the tableau or to the foundations as legal moves permit.

• Empty Spaces:

  • Any card may fill an empty tableau column or cell.

Gameplay:

• Turn Sequence:

  • On each turn, move any available top card from the tableau or a cell to another tableau column, a cell, or a foundation, following the movement and building rules above.
  • Move sequences of cards within the tableau if they follow the alternating color, ascending order, and there are enough free cells to support the move.
  • Use cells strategically to temporarily hold cards and facilitate complex moves.
  • Fill empty tableau columns or cells with any card as desired.

• Introducing New Cards:

  • All cards are dealt at the start; there is no stock or reserve pile in this variant.

• No Legal Moves:

  • If no legal moves remain (no cards can be moved according to the rules), the game is lost or unwinnable.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning Condition:

  • The game is won when all cards have been moved to the foundations, with each foundation built in descending order by suit from King to Ace.

• Losing/Unwinnable Condition:

  • The game is lost if no further legal moves are possible and not all cards are in the foundations.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Tableau Columns or Cells:

  • Any card may be moved into an empty tableau column or cell at any time.

• Moving Multiple Cards:

  • Sequences of cards built up by alternating colors can be moved together if there are enough empty cells to facilitate the move (number of cards moved = number of empty cells + one).

• Restrictions:

  • Only one card per cell.
  • Only the top card of each tableau column or cell may be moved at any time.
  • Cards once placed in the foundation cannot be moved back to the tableau or cells.

• Exceptions:

  • There are no additional stock or reserve piles; all cards are visible and accessible from the start.
  • The odds of winning are very high (approximately 99%), as most deals are solvable with skillful play.

Definitions:

• Tableau: The main play area consisting of eight columns of face-up cards.
• Foundation: The target piles built by suit in descending order from King to Ace.
• Cell: Temporary holding spaces for single cards to facilitate movement.

This guide provides a comprehensive, rule-focused overview of Inverted FreeCell Solitaire, ensuring clarity for both novice and experienced players.