How to Play Double Russian Solitaire

Goal of Double Russian Solitaire

The goal of Double Russian Solitaire is to move all cards to the foundation piles. Each foundation begins with an Ace and ends with a King. The game is won when all cards have been moved to the foundation piles. If no more moves are possible, the game is lost.

The Setup

Double Russian Solitaire is a solitary card game designed for one player. The game begins with two decks of 52 cards (104 cards total). The tableau is formed by dealing out across the columns. One face-up card is placed in the first column, then face-down cards are placed in each of the other nine columns. Then a face-up card is placed in the first column, a face-up card is placed in the second column, then face-down cards are placed in each of the other eight columns. This pattern is repeated until the fifth column has a face-up card in it. From now on, move one column to the right to start laying face-up cards. So this time, start with column two, then the next time column three. Complete this pattern, laying all 104 cards in the 10 columns.

Double Russian Solitaire Gameplay

There are two parts to the gameplay of Russian solitaire: moving cards from the Tableau to the Foundation and sequencing cards in the Tableau by suit and decreasing value.

The interesting part of Russian Solitaire and Yukon Solitaire is moving groups of cards that are unsequenced, but the bottom card follows the rule of the Tableau. In Russian Solitaire this rule is that the card must be the same suit and decreasing value. For example, an Ace of Spades can be layed on a Two of Spades in the Tableau. The Ace of Spades could even have a 3 of Diamonds on top of it when it is placed on the Two of Spades.

The Foundation is filled Ace through King, by suit. There are 8 foundation piles in Double Russian Solitiare. Two each for Hearts, Clubs, Spades, Diamonds.

Only one card at a time can be moved between the tableau and the foundation piles. The foundation piles must start with an Ace and be built up in the same suit.

Double Russian Solitaire Strategy

The game involves an element of strategy. Here are some tips to increase your chances of winning:

Expose Larger Stacks First: Focus on moving cards from the piles with the most face-down cards. This will give you more options as you proceed.

Balance Between Foundations and Tableau: Don't rush to get all your cards to the foundations. Often, it's better to keep lower-ranked cards in the tableau until you absolutely need them in the foundations.

Keep Empty Spaces for Kings: Remember that only Kings can fill empty tableau spaces. It might be beneficial to hold off on moving a King until you can maximize the benefit.

Plan Ahead: Always try to plan several moves ahead. It's often worth taking a bit of extra time to consider all your options.

With careful planning and a bit of luck, you'll master Double Russian Solitaire in no time!

Double Russian Solitaire Terms

Foundation

The Double Russian Solitaire foundation is made up of 8 piles, one for each suit in 2 decks of cards.

Tableau

The Double Russian Solitaire tableau has 10 columns and initially contains 104 cards.