Stalactites

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Stalactites Solitaire is to move all cards from the tableau and reserve cells onto the foundation piles, constructing complete sequences according to a chosen increment (either by ones or by twos), until each foundation contains exactly thirteen cards.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck (no jokers).
• Foundations: Four cards are dealt face-up to form the initial foundation piles. The rank of these cards determines the starting rank for each foundation.
• Tableau: The remaining 48 cards are dealt face-up into eight columns (tableau piles), each containing six cards, fanned so that all are visible and only the top card of each pile is accessible.
• Reserve Cells: Two empty reserve cells are available. Each cell can hold only one card at a time.
• Face-Up/Face-Down: All cards are dealt face-up; there are no face-down cards in this variant.

Key Play Areas:

• Foundations: Four piles where sequences are built.
• Tableau: Eight columns where cards are initially placed and from which cards are played.
• Reserve Cells: Two cells used for temporary storage of single cards.

Stalactites Solitaire Rules:

• Card Movement:
  • Only the top card of each tableau pile or a card in a reserve cell may be moved.
  • Cards can be moved to the foundations or to an empty reserve cell.
  • Only one card may be moved at a time.
• Building Foundations:
  • At the start of the game, the player must choose whether all foundations will be built up by ones (e.g., 5-6-7-8…) or by twos (e.g., 5-7-9-J…).
  • The chosen increment applies to all foundations for the duration of the game.
  • Foundations are built regardless of suit (suitless); only rank matters.
  • Sequences wrap around from King to Ace (e.g., after King comes Ace, then 2, etc.).
  • Each foundation must contain exactly thirteen cards.
• Tableau Restrictions:
  • No building is allowed on tableau piles; cards cannot be stacked or moved within the tableau.
  • If a tableau pile becomes empty, it cannot be refilled; empty spaces remain unfilled.
• Reserve Cells:
  • Each cell may hold only one card at a time.
  • Cards in reserve cells can only be moved to the foundations, not back to the tableau.

Gameplay:

• Turn Sequence:
  • On each turn, the player may move the top card of any tableau pile or any card in a reserve cell to a foundation, provided it fits the building sequence.
  • Alternatively, the player may move the top card of a tableau pile into an empty reserve cell if the cell is available.
  • Cards in reserve cells can only be moved to the foundations.
• No Redeal: There are no redeals; once a card is inaccessible, it cannot be retrieved except through legal moves.
• No Tableau Construction: Cards cannot be moved between tableau piles, nor can sequences be built within the tableau.
• End of Play: If no more legal moves are possible (i.e., no cards can be played to the foundations and both reserve cells are occupied), play ends.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning Condition: The game is won when all 52 cards have been successfully moved to the foundations, with each foundation containing a complete sequence of thirteen cards according to the chosen increment.
• Losing Condition: The game is lost (or becomes unwinnable) if no further legal moves are possible and cards remain in the tableau or reserve cells.

Special Rules & Edge Cases:

• Empty Tableau Spaces: If a tableau pile is emptied, it cannot be refilled; the space remains permanently empty.
• Reserve Cell Usage: Only one card may occupy each reserve cell. Cards in reserve cells cannot be returned to the tableau; they can only be played to the foundations.
• Foundation Building Decision: The choice to build by ones or twos must be made at the beginning of the game and applies to all foundation piles.
• Sequence Wrapping: Building on foundations wraps from King to Ace, maintaining the increment (e.g., after King comes Ace, then 2, etc.).
• Suitless Play: Sequences are built by rank only, with no regard to suit or color.

Definitions:

• Foundation: A pile where cards are sequentially built up according to the rules.
• Tableau: The main play area consisting of columns of cards.
• Reserve Cell: A temporary holding space for a single card, used to facilitate movement to the foundations.

This guide covers all core mechanics and rules unique to Stalactites Solitaire for accurate and efficient gameplay.