By Dan Fletcher
Are you bored with regular Klondike, the standard solitaire that we've all played hundreds of times? Then why not try Double Klondike, an interesting variation that uses two decks instead of one.
The object of the game is to build up suit sequences, but unlike in regular klondike, in double klondike there are 8 foundations to build up!
The game is initially dealt with 9 different card stacks. These are arranged in increasing length. The first stack has 1 card, face up. The second stack has 2 cards, with the top once face up. The third stack has 3 cards, with the top once face up. The fourth stack has 4 cards, with the top once face up. Etc, until you have dealt to the 9th stack, which has 9 cards...
This means there are 45 cards dealt out initially, which leaves 59 cards in the stock. The cards from the stock can be dealt out at any time, with 3 being dealt out in one go.
Other than the different layout, the rules are exactly the same as regular klondike solitaire, e.g.:
Cards are built down, in alternating suits.
An empty column can only be filled with a King.
Entire runs of cards can be moved in one go.
You might think that Double Klondike would be harder than regular klondike solitaire - because of the extra cards - but this is actually incorrect.
Double Klondike is actually easier to win, because you are less likely to get trapped. There are more moved available, and if you follow the correct strategy, it's usually not too hard to win...
Double Klondike Strategy
- Aces should be moved to the foundations whenever they appear.
- A card can safely be moved if the four cards of lower rank, and the opposite color, are already in the foundation. (e.g. You can safely move a 8 of clubs, if the two 7 of diamonds, and the two 7 of hearts, are already in the foundation.)
- If you can't guarantee that a card can be moved, try to hold onto it, until you have no choice but to use it.
Dan Fletcher is a developer at dogMelon. They make a pack of solitaire for mac games, includes many fun solitaire games, including Spider Solitaire and Klondike Solitaire. [source]
