Panther Creek

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Panther Creek Solitaire is to move all cards from the tableau to the single foundation by building sequences either up or down, regardless of suit.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck Composition: Panther Creek Solitaire uses four standard 52-card decks, totaling 208 cards.
• Tableau: There are twelve tableau piles, each containing twelve cards dealt face up in a splayed downward arrangement.
• Foundation: There is one foundation pile, which starts empty.
• Stock: The remaining cards form the stock pile, which is used to introduce new cards into play.
• Face Orientation: All tableau cards are dealt face up. The foundation and stock are also face up when cards are played or drawn.

Key Play Areas:

• Tableau: The main area where cards are initially placed and from which cards are moved.
• Foundation: The target pile where cards are built up or down.
• Stock: The pile used to deal additional cards to the foundation.

Panther Creek Solitaire Rules:

• Tableau Rules:

• No building is permitted on the tableau; cards cannot be moved between tableau piles.

• Only the top card of each tableau pile is available for play to the foundation.

• Once a tableau pile is emptied, it remains empty for the rest of the game.

• Foundation Rules:

• The foundation is built up or down by rank, regardless of suit (e.g., a 5♠ may be placed on a 4♥ or a 6♣).

• Only one foundation pile exists.

• Any single card may be moved to an empty foundation.

• Sequences can be built in either direction (up or down), with no suit restriction.

• Cards remain on the foundation until used in a valid build.

• Stock Rules:

• The stock deals one card face up to the foundation when activated.

• Only a single pass through the stock is permitted; redeals are not allowed.

Gameplay:

• Turn Sequence:

• The player may move any available top card from the tableau to the foundation, following the build-up or build-down rule.

• At any time, the player may deal one card from the stock to the foundation.

• Cards on the foundation can be built upon by rank, either ascending or descending, regardless of suit.

• The player continues making moves until no further legal moves are possible.

• Introducing New Cards:

• When the player chooses, a card from the stock is dealt face up to the foundation.

• After the stock is exhausted, no further cards can be introduced into play.

• No Moves Available:

• If the player cannot make any legal moves (no tableau cards can be played to the foundation and the stock is depleted), the game ends in a loss.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning Condition:
• The game is won when all cards from the tableau have been successfully moved to the foundation.
• Losing/Unwinnable Condition:
• The game is lost if no legal moves remain and cards are still present on the tableau after the stock is exhausted.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Empty Tableau Piles:
• Once a tableau pile is emptied, it remains empty; there is no rule for refilling empty tableau piles.
• Filling Empty Foundation:
• Any single card may start the foundation when it is empty.
• Redeal Restriction:
• Only one pass through the stock is allowed; no redeals.
• Sequence Building:
• Building on the foundation is strictly by rank, up or down, with no suit or color restriction.
• No Tableau Movement:
• Cards cannot be moved between tableau piles, nor can sequences be moved; only single cards from the tableau top are playable to the foundation.

Summary of Unique Mechanics:

• Panther Creek Solitaire is characterized by its use of four decks, a single build-any-direction foundation, twelve tableau piles with no internal movement, and a strict single-pass stock mechanic. The game is highly challenging, with a low win rate and minimal opportunities for recovery once moves are exhausted.