Russian Cell

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Russian Cell Solitaire is to move all 52 cards from the tableau and cells to the four foundation piles, building each pile up in suit from Ace through King.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck (no jokers).
• Foundations: Four empty foundation piles are reserved, one for each suit.
• Cells: Two open cells are available. Each cell can hold a single card at a time.
• Tableau: Seven tableau columns are used:
• Deal cards as follows:
  • The first tableau column: 1 card, face up.
  • The second column: 1 card face down, then 5 cards face up.
  • The third column: 2 cards face down, then 5 cards face up.
  • The fourth column: 3 cards face down, then 5 cards face up.
  • The fifth column: 4 cards face down, then 5 cards face up.
  • The sixth column: 5 cards face down, then 5 cards face up.
  • The seventh column: 6 cards face down, then 5 cards face up.
• No Stock or Waste: There is no stock pile or waste pile in this variant.
• Face Orientation: All cards dealt face up are immediately playable; face-down cards are revealed only when uncovered.

Russian Cell Solitaire Rules:

• Foundations:

• Build up by suit, starting with Ace and ending with King (e.g., Ace♣, 2♣, 3♣ … King♣).

• Only an Ace can be placed on an empty foundation.

• Only the top card of each foundation is available for play back to the tableau if needed.

• Cells:

• Each cell holds only one card.

• Any available card (from tableau or foundation) may be moved to an empty cell.

• Cards in cells can be played back to the tableau or to the foundations.

• Tableau:

• Build down by suit only (e.g., 8♠ on 9♠).

• Any face-up card, along with all cards stacked above it, may be moved together as a group, regardless of sequence.

• Only Kings (or groups headed by a King) may be moved to empty tableau columns.

• Only face-up cards may be moved; when a face-down card is uncovered, it is immediately turned face up and becomes playable.

Gameplay:

• Turn Sequence:
• Move cards between tableau columns, to cells, or to the foundations according to the rules above.
• Move any available Ace to an empty foundation pile to begin building that suit.
• Move cards or valid groups between tableau columns, ensuring the bottom card of the group is one rank lower and the same suit as the card it is placed upon.
• Use cells to temporarily store cards, enabling rearrangement of tableau stacks.
• When a face-down card is uncovered in the tableau, immediately turn it face up.
• No New Cards: There is no stock or reserve; all cards are in play from the start.
• When Stuck: If no legal moves remain, the game ends in a loss.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning: The game is won when all 52 cards are moved to the four foundation piles, each built up in suit from Ace to King.
• Losing: The game is lost (unwinnable) if no legal moves remain and not all cards are in the foundations.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Tableau Columns: Only a King, or a group of cards headed by a King, may be moved to an empty tableau space.
• Moving Groups: Any group of face-up cards may be moved together, regardless of internal sequence, as long as the group’s bottom card can be legally placed on the destination card (one rank lower, same suit).
• Cells: Only one card per cell; cards in cells can be played back to the tableau or to the foundations.
• No Stock/Waste: There is no redeal; all cards are dealt at the start and must be played from the tableau or cells.
• Reversibility: In some implementations, the top card of a foundation pile may be moved back to the tableau to facilitate further play, though this may vary by platform.

Note: Russian Cell Solitaire is a challenging variant that requires careful planning due to the strict suit-matching rules and the absence of a stock or waste pile.