Lincoln Greens

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Lincoln Greens Solitaire is to clear all cards from the tableau by moving them to the foundation (waste) pile according to the game’s specific movement rules.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck Used: Standard 52-card deck, but four full decks (totaling 208 cards) are used for this variant.
• Tableau:
• 12 tableau columns are created.
• 12 cards are dealt to each column, for a total of 144 cards in the tableau.
• All tableau cards are dealt face-up and splayed so that every card’s rank is visible.
• Stock (Draw Pile):
• The remaining 64 cards (208 total minus 144 in tableau) form the stock (draw pile), placed face-down beside the tableau.
• Foundation (Waste) Pile:
• A single waste pile (also called the foundation pile in some sources) is placed next to the draw pile.
• Empty Spaces:
• Empty tableau columns may be created during play, but cannot be filled.

Lincoln Greens Solitaire Rules:

• Card Movement:
• Only the bottom card of each tableau column is available for play.
• Cards are moved from the tableau or the stock to the waste pile (foundation pile).
• Building Rules:
• A card can be moved to the waste pile if its rank is exactly one higher or one lower than the top card of the waste pile.
• Suits do not matter.
• Wrapping is allowed: Kings can be played on Aces and vice versa.
• Stock/Draw Pile:
• At any time, you may draw the top card from the stock and place it face-up onto the waste pile.
• You may cycle through the stock only once; there are no redeals.
• Tableau Restrictions:
• No building is allowed on the tableau.
• You cannot move cards between tableau columns or build sequences within the tableau.
• Empty tableau columns cannot be filled once cleared.
• Waste/Foundations:
• Once a card is moved to the waste pile, it cannot be moved back to the tableau or stock.

Gameplay:

• Turn Sequence:
• Identify and move any available bottom card from the tableau to the waste pile if it is one rank above or below the current top card of the waste pile.
• If no moves are possible from the tableau, draw the top card from the stock and place it face-up on the waste pile. This card then becomes the new base for further moves.
• Decision Points:
• When multiple tableau cards are eligible to be played, choose the one that will uncover the most new options for subsequent moves.
• Stock Usage:
• Use the stock only when no tableau moves are possible, as you may only go through it once.
• No Moves Available:
• If no moves are possible from either the tableau or the stock, play ends.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning Condition:
• The game is won if all cards from the tableau have been moved to the waste pile, regardless of whether cards remain in the stock.
• Losing Condition:
• The game is lost if no more legal moves are possible and there are still cards remaining in the tableau.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Empty Tableau Columns:
• Empty spaces in the tableau cannot be filled under any circumstances. Plan moves to avoid prematurely emptying columns that may block access to other cards.
• Wrapping:
• Aces and Kings are considered consecutive ranks. You may play an Ace on a King and a King on an Ace.
• No Tableau Rearrangement:
• You cannot move cards between tableau columns or rearrange the tableau in any way.
• Stock Limitation:
• Only one pass through the stock is permitted. Once the stock is exhausted, no further cards can be drawn.
• No Undo:
• Moves cannot be undone once made, and cards cannot be moved back from the waste pile to the tableau or stock.

Definitions:

• Tableau: The main layout of 12 columns where cards are initially dealt and from which cards are played to the waste pile.
• Waste Pile (Foundation): The pile where cards are sequentially played from the tableau or stock, following the one-rank-up-or-down rule.
• Stock (Draw Pile): The pile of remaining cards from which new cards are drawn when no tableau moves are available.

This guide summarizes the official mechanics and unique restrictions of Lincoln Greens Solitaire as found in authoritative sources.