Simon Jester

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Simon Jester Solitaire is to remove all cards from the tableau by assembling complete, in-suit sequences from King down to Ace. Only these full, same-suit sequences are eligible for removal; incomplete or mixed-suit sequences cannot be discarded.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Uses two standard 52-card decks (total 104 cards).
• Tableau: Fourteen tableau columns are used.
  • All 104 cards are dealt face up at the start of the game; there are no hidden or face-down cards.
  • Each tableau pile receives an equal or near-equal number of cards, with all cards visible from the outset.
• Play Areas:
  • Tableau: The only play area; there are no foundations, stock, waste, reserve, or cells in this variant.
  • Empty Tableau: Any tableau column that becomes empty during play.

Simon Jester Solitaire Rules:

• Card Movement:
  • Cards are built down in rank within the tableau, regardless of suit (e.g., a 10♠ may be placed on a J♠, J♥, J♣, or J♦).
  • Any card can be moved to an empty tableau column.
  • Sequences of cards can only be moved together if they are in descending order and of the same suit (e.g., 10♠-9♠-8♠).
  • If a sequence is not of the same suit, only the top card may be moved; mixed-suit sequences cannot be moved as a group.
• Sequence Removal:
  • Once a complete sequence of thirteen cards (King through Ace) in the same suit is assembled in a tableau column, it is automatically removed from play.
  • Sequences not built entirely in-suit remain on the tableau and cannot be removed.
• No Foundations: There are no foundation piles; removal of cards is only by in-suit, complete sequences.

Gameplay:

• Turn Structure:
  • On each turn, the player may move any single card to a valid destination (either onto a card of the next higher rank or into an empty tableau column).
  • The player may also move a group of cards as a unit if they form a descending, in-suit sequence.
• Introducing New Cards:
  • There is no stock or reserve; all cards are in play from the start.
• No More Moves:
  • If no legal moves remain (i.e., no cards or valid sequences can be moved according to the rules), the game is lost.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Win Condition: The game is won when all cards have been removed from the tableau by forming and discarding four complete, in-suit sequences (one for each suit, per deck).
• Lose Condition: The game is lost if the player cannot make any further legal moves and there are still cards remaining on the tableau.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Spaces:
  • Any card or valid sequence (descending, in-suit) may be moved into an empty tableau column.
• Restrictions:
  • Only complete, in-suit King-to-Ace sequences can be removed from play.
  • Kings: Since building is always downward, a King cannot be placed on any other card and can only be moved to an empty tableau.
  • Aces: No card can be placed on an Ace, as it is the lowest rank.
  • Mixed-Suit Sequences: Only the top card of a mixed-suit descending sequence can be moved; the rest must be separated before moving as a group.
• No Redeal/Reshuffle: There is no redeal; all cards are face up and play proceeds until the game is won or no moves remain.

Summary of Key Terms:

• Tableau: The main play area consisting of 14 columns, all cards dealt face up.
• Sequence: A group of cards in strict descending order (King to Ace), either in the same suit (movable as a group and removable) or mixed suit (movable singly).
• Complete Sequence: Thirteen cards in descending order of the same suit (King through Ace); only these can be removed from play.

This ruleset defines the unique mechanics and structure of Simon Jester Solitaire as a skill-based, open-information solitaire variant.