Yukon Cells

Game Objective:

The primary goal in Yukon Cells Solitaire is to move all cards from the tableau and cells to the four foundation piles, building each foundation in ascending order by suit from Ace to King.

Setup & Layout:

• Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck with no Jokers.
• Tableau: Arrange 7 tableau columns as follows:
  • 1st column: 1 card, face up.
  • 2nd column: 1 card face down, 5 cards face up.
  • 3rd column: 2 cards face down, 5 cards face up.
  • 4th column: 3 cards face down, 5 cards face up.
  • 5th column: 4 cards face down, 5 cards face up.
  • 6th column: 5 cards face down, 5 cards face up.
  • 7th column: 6 cards face down, 5 cards face up.
• Cells: Two cells, both initially empty. Each cell can hold one card.
• Foundations: Four empty foundation piles, one for each suit.
• Face Orientation: Cards specified as face-up above are visible; face-down cards are hidden until uncovered.

Yukon Cells Solitaire Rules:

• Card Movement Principles:
  • Only face-up cards (and any cards stacked below them) may be moved.
  • When a face-down card is exposed, immediately turn it face-up.
• Tableau Building:
  • Build tableau columns downward by alternating colors (red on black, black on red), regardless of suit.
  • Any face-up card and all cards beneath it (regardless of sequence) may be moved as a group.
• Cells:
  • Any available card may be moved into an empty cell.
  • Cards in cells may be played back to the tableau or to the foundations.
• Foundations:
  • Foundations build up by suit, starting from Ace and ending with King.
  • Only the next higher card of the same suit can be placed on a foundation pile (e.g., 2♠ on Ace♠).
• Empty Tableau Spaces:
  • Only a King or a group of cards headed by a King may fill an empty tableau column.

Gameplay:

• Player Actions:
  • Move any face-up card or stack (including those not in sequence) within the tableau, following the alternating color rule.
  • Move cards into cells if space is available.
  • Move cards from cells back to the tableau or to foundations.
  • Move Aces to empty foundation piles as soon as possible.
  • Build up foundation piles in ascending order by suit.
  • When exposing a face-down card, flip it face-up immediately and continue play.
• No Stock or Reserve: All cards are dealt at the start; there is no stock or waste pile.
• When No Legal Moves Remain: If no further moves are possible and not all cards are in the foundations, the game is lost.

Winning & Losing Conditions:

• Winning: The game is won when all 52 cards have been moved to the four foundation piles, each built from Ace to King by suit.
• 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 occupy an empty tableau space.
• Cell Usage: Each cell can hold only one card. Cards in cells are always available for play back to the tableau or foundations.
• Moving Groups: Any face-up card and all cards beneath it may be moved together as a unit, even if the group is not in descending sequence or alternating color.
• Exposure of Face-Down Cards: When a face-down card is uncovered in the tableau, it must be immediately turned face-up, making it available for play on the next move.
• No Restrictions on Moving from Cells: Cards may be freely moved from cells to any valid location (tableau or foundation) as allowed by the standard movement rules.

Definitions:

• Tableau: The main play area consisting of seven columns where most card manipulation occurs.
• Foundation: The four piles where cards are built up by suit from Ace to King.
• Cell: A holding area that can store a single card, temporarily removing it from play but making it available for future moves.

This guide covers the essential mechanics and unique rules of Yukon Cells Solitaire for precise and effective play.