How to play clockwork patience
Are you looking for a new and challenging solitaire game to test your skills? Look no further than Clockwork Patience! This unique variation of the classic card game is sure to keep you entertained for hours. In this article, we will guide you through the rules and mechanics of Clockwork Patience, so you can start playing and becoming a master of this addictive game.
What is Clockwork Patience, you ask? Well, it’s a solitaire game that requires both strategy and a bit of luck. The goal is simple: you need to clear all the cards from the table by building up card stacks from Ace to King. However, unlike traditional solitaire games, Clockwork Patience adds a twist to the gameplay.
So what’s the twist, you might wonder? In this game, the cards move like clockwork. Each time you make a move, the remaining cards on the table will automatically shift in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This means that you’ll need to plan your moves carefully, as the shifting cards can either help you or complicate your strategy.
So, are you ready to take on the challenge of Clockwork Patience? Put your thinking cap on and get ready to test your skills in this addictive solitaire game. Let’s dive into the rules and learn how to play Clockwork Patience!
Rules for playing clockwork patience:
1. Shuffle a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
2. Deal eight rows of cards, starting with one card in the first row, two cards in the second row, and so on, until there are eight cards in the eighth row.
3. Turn the top card of the remaining deck face up and place it next to the deck. This card will be the base card for building the foundation piles.
4. The goal of the game is to build all four foundation piles (one per suit) in ascending order, starting with the Ace and ending with the King.
5. Move cards from the rows to the foundation piles or to other rows according to the following rules:
Foundation piles:
– Only the next higher card of the same suit can be placed on top of a foundation pile.
– An Ace can be placed on an empty foundation pile.
Rows:
– A card can be moved to another row if it is one rank lower and of a different color than the card at the end of the receiving row.
– Multiple cards can be moved as a group to another row if they build in descending order and alternate in color, ending with a card of the opposite color from the last card of the receiving row.
– Empty row spaces can only be filled with a King or a group of cards starting with a King.
6. If a row becomes empty, it can be filled by any available card(s).
7. When no more moves are possible, you may draw a new card from the deck and continue playing.
8. The game is won when all four foundation piles are completed with the King as the top card.
Enjoy playing this challenging version of Patience!
Basics for beginners
To play clockwork patience, also known as clock patience or clock solitaire, you need a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The objective of the game is to move all the cards to the center area in a clockwise order, starting from the Ace and ending with the King.
To set up the game, shuffle the deck and deal the cards in a circle formation, facing up. The circle formation represents the “clock” in clockwork patience. There should be twelve piles, with each pile containing four cards.
Begin by identifying the pile with the highest ranked card. For example, if there is a pile with the Ace of spades, this will be the starting point on the “clock.” Turn this card face down, as well as the three cards following it, to create the center area. These cards will be the foundation for building the clock piles.
Next, starting from the pile after the highest ranked card, reveal the top card and place it on top of the center area in a clockwise order. For example, if you reveal a Jack of hearts, this card will be placed on top of the center area, followed by the next pile in clockwise order.
The process continues by revealing and placing the top card of each pile, one by one. If during this process, you reveal a card that matches the rank of the card you are currently placing (e.g. revealing a 10 when placing a 10), place that card immediately on top of the matching pile, forming a “match pair.” Continue placing the remaining cards in clockwise order.
If you reach a point where no more cards can be placed, the game may be stuck. In this case, you can try shuffling the cards remaining in clockwise order. Remember, the goal is to have each pile in the center area filled with a complete set of matching pairs in a clockwise order, from Ace to King.
Once you successfully complete the clock, you have won the game. If you are unable to complete the clock or get stuck, try again and aim to improve your strategy and card management skills.
Clockwork patience is a challenging but rewarding puzzle game that requires patience, concentration, and strategic thinking. Enjoy the process of unraveling the clock and aim for a perfect completion!
Tips for advanced players
If you consider yourself an advanced player in clockwork patience, there are a few strategies you can utilize to improve your chances of winning:
- Start by focusing on the tableau stacks. It’s important to carefully examine the cards on the tableau and make moves that expose hidden cards.
- Maintain an organized tableau by moving cards from one stack to another. Creating empty tableau piles can allow you to store extra cards and increase your mobility.
- When dealing with foundation piles, it’s generally best to prioritize building foundations up in descending sequence with alternating colors.
- Keep track of the cards being moved to the foundation piles, as this can affect future moves. Sometimes it’s better to hold off on moving cards to the foundation until a better opportunity presents itself.
- Don’t forget about the reserve deck. It can be helpful to use the cards in the reserve to create a chain of moves that opens up new tableau options.
- Patience is key! The occasional setback is to be expected in clockwork patience. Keep a calm and focused mindset to efficiently analyze the board and plan your moves.
By employing these tips and tricks, you can develop a more strategic approach to playing clockwork patience and boost your chances of achieving victory. Remember to practice regularly to strengthen your skills and improve your overall gameplay.