Strategy
When to move cards to the foundations
Sending cards to the foundations feels good, but a card that goes up can no longer hold another card in a column. Knowing when it is safe is a real skill.
Move aces and 2s to the foundations as soon as they are free. For a higher card, move it up only when both cards of the opposite color one rank lower are already on the foundations or are no longer needed. Otherwise keep it in the column, where it can still hold a card.
Why not always move up?
A card in a column serves as a landing spot for a card one rank lower and of the opposite color. If you move it up too early, that lower card may have nowhere to go. Aces and 2s are almost never needed as landing spots, so they are safe.
A simple safe-move rule
A card is safe to move up when the two cards of the opposite color, one rank lower, are already on the foundations. A red 5 needs both black 4s up first. Then nothing can need the 5 to land on.
When to break the rule
- Moving a card up uncovers a hidden card, and the lower card has other places to land.
- You are about to finish the game and the card is clearly not needed.
- The foundation is far ahead on one suit and you want to free a column.
Balance the foundations
Try to raise all four foundations together. One suit racing ahead leaves the other suits' cards stuck in the columns. A balanced build keeps more options open.
When you are ready, put it together with the other priorities in the strategy guide.
Frequently asked questions
When should I move cards to the foundations?
Aces and 2s immediately. Higher cards when it is safe, as explained above.
Can I take a card back from the foundation?
Yes, onto a column where it fits. It costs points. See scoring.
Is it bad to move every card up?
Not always, but moving cards up too early can leave a lower card with nowhere to go.