Algerian Solitaire

Algerian Solitaire is not your regular one-deck patience game. It’s played with two decks of cards, which makes it longer, trickier, and a lot more engaging. In this game, you need to move all the cards from the reserve piles at the bottom to the eight foundation stacks above. Four foundations begin with aces that you build upwards to kings. The other four start with kings and go downward to aces.

The game really tests how well you can plan. In the tableau, you can move cards on top of each other as long as they’re of the same suit and in sequence. That sequence can go either up or down. For example, you can place a 9 of hearts on a 10 of hearts, or even on an 8 of hearts. 

At first glance, it might feel like a standard solitaire, but the dual building system (both up and down) gives it a unique twist. Every decision matters. One wrong move can lock up your piles and slow your progress. But if you play it smart, it’s one of the most satisfying solitaire games to win.

How to Play Algerian Solitaire

• The game uses two full decks (104 cards).
• There are eight foundation piles: four that must be built up from ace to king, and four that must be built down from king to ace.
• Below the foundations are tableau and reserve piles, where you can temporarily move and stack cards.
• Your goal is to free up cards and steadily move them into the correct foundations until all suits are complete.

Game Features

• Two-deck challenge for longer play
• Dual building system: aces up, kings down
• Flexible tableau moves (up or down in the same suit)
• Strategic reserve piles to hold extra cards

Game Tips & Tricks

• Focus on freeing aces and kings early. They unlock the foundations.
• Use the reserve wisely – it’s easy to clog it up.
• Don’t rush to fill empty spaces. Leaving them open often gives you better options later.
• Balance building up and down. Favour whichever move helps you clear more cards.