Calculation Solitaire

Calculation Solitaire is a one-deck patience game about counting sequences. The four foundations build by different steps: one foundation counts by ones, one by twos, one by threes, and one by fours.

How to Play

Draw one stock card at a time. Place it directly on a matching foundation when possible, or park it on one of the four waste piles. Only the top card of each waste pile can move later.

Foundation Sequences

The first foundation starts with aces and counts A, 2, 3, 4. The second starts with twos and counts 2, 4, 6, 8. The third starts with threes, and the fourth starts with fours. All sequences wrap after king.

All Four Counting Paths

The one-step foundation builds A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K. The two-step foundation builds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K. The three-step foundation builds 3, 6, 9, Q, 2, 5, 8, J, A, 4, 7, 10, K. The four-step foundation builds 4, 8, Q, 3, 7, J, 2, 6, 10, A, 5, 9, K.

Waste Pile Planning

The waste piles are not discard piles in the usual sense. They are short-term parking spaces. Since only the top card of each waste pile can move, a poor placement can bury an important card under the wrong rank. Try to keep one pile for cards that are close to playable and another pile for cards that are far away in the sequence.

When to Use a Foundation

If the current card is next for a foundation, moving it immediately is usually correct. The main exception is when a waste pile has a buried card that will soon be needed and the current card could safely sit on a waste pile for later. Calculation rewards planning one or two ranks ahead rather than simply clearing the current card as fast as possible.

Beginner Strategy

Start by learning the four sequence patterns. The two-step and four-step piles often feel less natural than the ace foundation, so use the visible "Next" label on each foundation before parking a card. If you are unsure, keep high-value blockers near the top of a waste pile so they can be moved as soon as their foundation asks for them.

Advanced Strategy

Strong Calculation play is about avoiding buried blockers. Before placing a card on waste, ask which foundation will need it and how many cards must appear before that happens. A card that is only one or two steps away should stay easy to access. A card that is far away can safely cover another far-away card if their timing is similar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any card go on any foundation?

No. Each foundation has its own next rank. Suit does not matter in this version, but rank order does.

Can I move cards between waste piles?

No. Waste piles are parking spaces, and only their top cards can move to foundations.

How do you win Calculation Solitaire?

Place every card onto the four counting foundations for a total of 52 foundation cards.

Related Solitaire Games

If you enjoy sequence planning, try Canfield Solitaire for reserve management and wrapping foundations, or play Pyramid Solitaire for a faster pairing puzzle.