Squadron

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Squadron Solitaire is to move all 104 cards (using two standard 52-card decks) onto the eight foundation piles, building each foundation in ascending order by suit from Ace to King.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Two standard 52-card decks (total 104 cards).
• Tableau: Ten tableau piles, each dealt four cards face-up at the start (total 40 cards).
• Foundations: Eight foundation piles, all initially empty.
• Cells (Reserve): Three reserve piles (sometimes called cells or squadrons), each dealt one card face-up at the start.
• Stock: The remaining cards after tableau and reserve setup form the stock pile, placed face-down.
• Waste: One waste pile, initially empty.

Key Play Areas Defined:

• Tableau: Main play area for building sequences down by suit.
• Foundations: Target area for building sequences up by suit from Ace to King.
• Cells/Reserve: Temporary holding areas for single cards, each cell can hold only one card.
• Stock: Source for new cards, drawn one at a time.
• Waste: Holds cards drawn from stock that cannot be immediately played.

Squadron Solitaire Rules:

• Foundations:

• Build up by suit, starting with Ace and ending with King.

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

• Once a card is placed on a foundation, it cannot be removed.

• Maximum of thirteen cards per foundation pile (Ace through King).

• Tableau:

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

• Only the top card of each tableau pile may be moved at a time.

• Any single card can be moved to an empty tableau pile.

• All tableau cards are dealt face-up at the start.

• Cells/Reserve:

• Each cell holds one card face-up.

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

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

• Stock & Waste:

• Cards are drawn one at a time from the stock to the waste pile.

• Only one pass through the stock is permitted; no redeals.

• The top card of the waste is available for play to tableau, foundation, or cells.

• Movement:

• Only one card may be moved at a time, except in some digital implementations that allow "supermoves" (moving sequences as if done one card at a time).

• Cards can be moved from tableau, waste, or cells to any valid destination according to the rules above.

Gameplay:

1. Initial Moves:

• Examine tableau, cells, and waste for possible moves to foundations or tableau piles.

1. Typical Actions:

• Move eligible cards to foundations.
• Build tableau piles down by suit.
• Move cards into empty tableau piles or cells as needed.
• Draw from stock to waste when no other moves are available.

1. Introducing New Cards:

• Click or tap the stock to deal one card face-up to the waste pile.
• Use the top waste card if it can be played to tableau, foundation, or cell.

1. No Legal Moves:

• If no moves are available and the stock is exhausted, the game ends.
• Players may use undo or hints in digital versions, but in strict play, the game is lost if no moves remain.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning:

• The game is won when all 104 cards are moved to the eight foundation piles, each built up by suit from Ace to King.

• Losing/Unwinnable State:

• The game is lost if no legal moves remain and the stock is depleted, with cards still left in tableau, cells, or waste.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Filling Empty Tableau Piles:

• Any single card may be moved to an empty tableau pile.

• Filling Empty Cells:

• Any single card from tableau or waste may be moved into an empty cell.

• Filling Empty Foundations:

• Only an Ace may be placed in an empty foundation pile.

• Card Movement Restrictions:

• Only the top card of tableau, waste, or cell is available for play.

• Cards cannot be removed from foundations once placed.

• Supermove (Digital Variant):

• Some digital versions allow moving sequences of cards if the move would be possible by moving single cards successively.

• No Redeals:

• Only one pass through the stock is allowed; once the stock is exhausted, no more cards can be drawn.

• Edge Case—Reserve Management:

• Strategic use of cells/reserve piles is critical. Clearing a reserve pile early increases flexibility.

Definitions:

• Foundation: Pile where cards are built up by suit from Ace to King.
• Tableau: Main area for building sequences down by suit.
• Cell/Reserve: Temporary holding area for one card.
• Stock: Face-down pile from which cards are drawn.
• Waste: Pile for cards drawn from stock, available for play.

This guide covers the official rules and mechanics for Squadron Solitaire as supported by multiple authoritative sources.