How to Play Canfield Solitaire

Canfield begins with only 4 cards in the tableau, but the rest of the pack is divided between a reserve and a Draw 3 stock. The reserve keeps replacing empty columns while the stock presents cards in packets. At the same time, the foundations may begin on any rank, not automatically on an Ace. A legal move depends on reading those parts of the table together.

This guide follows the version played on Canfield Solitaire. It uses 1 deck, 4 tableau columns, a 13-card reserve and unlimited stock passes. The screenshots come from certified deals played through the same engine as the public game.

Set Out the Reserve, Tableau and First Foundation

Deal 13 cards face down into the reserve and turn its top card face up. Place the next card on 1 of the 4 foundations. Its rank becomes the base rank for all 4 foundation piles. Deal 1 face-up card into each of the 4 tableau columns. The remaining 34 cards form the stock, with an empty waste space beside it.

The opening foundation card also fixes where every suit must begin. If it is a Jack, the other 3 foundations wait for their Jacks. If it is a 4, all 4 suits begin with a 4. The suit of the opening card does not change the order of play; it simply gives 1 foundation a head start.

Build Each Foundation Up by Suit

A foundation accepts cards of 1 suit in ascending rank. Begin with the deal's base rank, then continue upward. The sequence wraps after King, so a foundation that starts on Jack runs Jack, Queen, King, Ace, 2 and onward until it finishes on 10. A foundation that starts on 4 finishes on 3.

Only 1 exposed card moves to a foundation at a time. The card can come from the reserve, the waste or the open end of a tableau column. You cannot lift a tableau sequence onto a foundation as a group. Each card must reach its matching suit pile in order.

Arrange the Tableau Down in Alternating Colors

Tableau cards descend by 1 rank and alternate color. A red 8 may sit on a black 9, while a black 8 needs a red 9. Suits do not have to match. Canfield also wraps ranks in the tableau: a King may be placed on an Ace of the opposite color.

A correctly ordered group can move together. For example, a black 9, red 8 and black 7 can be lifted as 1 unit and placed on a red 10. If the colors or ranks break anywhere inside the group, begin the move at a lower card or separate the cards first.

Let the Reserve Refill Empty Columns

Whenever a tableau column becomes empty, the top reserve card moves into that space automatically. The next reserve card is then turned face up. This refill happens while cards remain in the reserve, so you cannot use an empty column as free storage during the early part of the game.

You may play the exposed reserve card to a foundation or onto a legal tableau card. If another move empties a column, the current reserve card fills the gap. Only after all 13 reserve cards have entered play can an empty column accept any movable card or ordered group.

Turn the Stock 3 Cards at a Time

Select Draw 3 to move the next 3 stock cards to the waste. Only the uppermost waste card is available. Play it to a foundation or tableau if it fits, then the card below becomes available. If the top card cannot move, you may draw the next packet and cover it.

When the stock runs out, turn the waste over and begin another pass without shuffling. There is no fixed limit on passes in this version. Because the order stays intact, removing 1 waste card changes which cards will be exposed together on the next pass. You do not have to memorize the whole stock, but it helps to notice a base card or useful tableau parent that keeps appearing just below an unplayable card.

Use Empty Columns After the Reserve Is Gone

Once the reserve is empty, a cleared column stays open. Any exposed card or valid tableau group may enter it. The space can separate a crowded sequence, hold a card from the waste or give a long group somewhere to wait while its destination is uncovered.

Empty space is useful, but the win still requires all 52 cards on the foundations. Avoid filling a gap with a card that has no likely destination. A card that can soon extend a foundation or a group with a clear onward move usually makes a better temporary occupant than a stranded single card.

A Simple Order for Your First Moves

1. Read the base rank on the foundations and look for the other 3 cards of that rank.
2. Check whether the exposed reserve card can move to a foundation or tableau.
3. Inspect the 4 tableau cards for foundation moves and alternating-color builds.
4. Draw from the stock when the visible reserve and tableau moves are finished.
5. Recheck the reserve after every cleared column because its top card will have changed.

This order keeps the first few moves tied to the cards that are actually available. Later stock passes take more attention because playing a waste card changes the packet order, but the same checks still apply. Use Hint to point out a legal move, or open Is it winnable? to see whether the current position still follows the stored solution for a certified deal.

Players who enjoy a strict stock and visible tableau may also like Forty Thieves. For a broader comparison of reserve, tableau and pairing games, see the main types of Solitaire.

Play a Certified Canfield Deal

By Sam R., Solitaire.cx editor. Every screenshot comes from a certified game played on this site. How these guides are written.