Manx

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Manx Solitaire is to discard all cards from the four tableau piles by constructing complete sequences of thirteen cards, each built in descending rank from King through Ace and all of the same suit. Only these complete, in-suit sequences are removed from play; partial or mixed-suit sequences remain and cannot be discarded.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck.
• Tableau: Four tableau piles are created, each starting with one card dealt face-up.
• Foundations/Discard Piles: Four discard piles are reserved for completed King-to-Ace sequences of the same suit.
• Tail (Reserve): A single empty reserve space called the tail is available; it can hold one card at a time.
• Stock: The remaining undealt cards form the stock, which is used to replenish the tableau during play.

Manx Solitaire Rules:

Card Movements:

• Cards are built downward by rank on tableau piles, regardless of suit (e.g., 9♣ can be placed on 10♦).
• Circular building is allowed: a King may be placed on an Ace, and vice versa.
• Sequences: Any group of cards forming a descending sequence (regardless of suit) can be moved together between tableau piles.
• Empty Tableau: Any card or sequence may be moved to an empty tableau pile.
• Tail (Reserve): Only a single card (not a sequence) from the top of any tableau may be moved to the tail if it is empty. The card in the tail cannot be played back until it can legally build onto a tableau pile.
• Stock: When requested, deal one card face-up from the stock onto each tableau pile.

Building Sequences:

• Removal: Only complete sequences of thirteen cards, built down in rank and all of the same suit from King to Ace, may be moved to a discard pile and removed from play.
• Partial Sequences: Sequences not matching suit or not complete cannot be discarded.

Gameplay:

1. Move cards between tableau piles, building down by rank (regardless of suit), and utilize the tail for temporary storage of a single card.
2. Move sequences: Groups of cards in proper descending order may be moved together between tableau piles.
3. Fill empty tableau piles with any available card or sequence.
4. Use the tail strategically to temporarily hold a single card, but only move a card to the tail if you have a plan to return it, as the tail is a critical resource.
5. Deal from stock: When no other moves are possible or desired, deal one card face-up from the stock onto each tableau pile.
6. Remove sequences: Whenever a complete King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit is formed on a tableau, move it to a discard pile.

If no legal moves remain and the stock is exhausted, gameplay ends.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

Winning:

• The game is won when all four discard piles are filled with complete King-to-Ace sequences of the same suit, and the tableau, stock, and tail are empty.

Losing/Unwinnable State:

• The game is lost or becomes unwinnable if no further legal moves are possible, and the stock is depleted, with cards remaining in the tableau or tail that cannot be formed into complete, in-suit sequences.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Tableaus: Any card or sequence may be moved into an empty tableau pile at any time.
• Tail Restrictions: Only a single card (not a sequence) may be moved to the tail, and it cannot be returned to play except by building it onto a tableau pile in descending order.
• Circular Building: Kings may be placed on Aces, and sequences may wrap from King to Ace.
• Sequence Movement: Only sequences built down by rank (regardless of suit) may be moved together between tableau piles.
• Stock Depletion: Once the stock is empty, no further cards can be dealt, and play continues with only the tableau and tail.
• Discard Pile: Only complete, in-suit King-to-Ace sequences may be discarded; mixed-suit or incomplete sequences remain in play.
• Tail Marooning: If a card is placed in the tail without a clear path to return it to the tableau, it may become permanently blocked, preventing a win.

Definitions:

• Tableau: The main play area with four piles where cards are built down by rank.
• Tail (Reserve): A single-card reserve space for temporary storage.
• Stock: The undealt cards used to replenish the tableau.
• Discard Pile: Area for removed, complete King-to-Ace sequences of the same suit.

Note: Manx Solitaire is a challenging variant requiring careful management of the tail and tableau spaces to avoid unwinnable positions.