How to Play Alternations
Alternations is a patient, thoughtful solitaire that likes a tidy tableau and slow planning. This guide is made for curious players who want a clear, friendly start — and you can find more card guides at Playmore.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Alternations |
| Family | American patience |
| Players | 1 |
| Deck | One full, normal 52-card deck |
| Beginner focus | Seven-column tableau with alternating face-up and face-down cards; build down by alternating colors and build up foundations by suit |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is to move cards to the four foundations, building each foundation up by suit. On the tableau, you build downward by alternating colors to free hidden cards. The overall loop is reveal cards, make legal builds, and move what you can to the foundations.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. Shuffle well. The characteristic setup uses seven columns (a seven-column tableau) where cards in each column alternate face-up and face-down. Exact dealing details vary by version, so agree with your group or check the authoritative rules for the precise deal. Some versions leave a stock or waste pile; some do not.
How to play
- Deal the tableau as agreed: seven columns with alternating face-up and face-down cards. Make sure the top card of each column is face-up so you can see at least one card per column.
- Look for builds on the tableau. You may place a card onto another card that is one rank higher and the opposite color (for example, a black 7 on a red 8). This is the alternating-color, building-down rule.
- When a face-down card is exposed, turn it face-up immediately. Revealing face-down cards is usually the single best goal each turn.
- Move cards to the foundations when they fit. Foundations are built up by suit. Moving cards to foundations frees space on the tableau and advances your win condition.
- Sequence movement rules can vary. Many versions let you move a legal alternating-color descending sequence as a unit. Other versions restrict movement to single cards. Decide which rule you follow before you start.
- When a column becomes empty, fill it according to the version you play. Some rules allow any card to fill a space; others only allow a King. Confirm this with your group before you begin.
- Continue making plays: reveal hidden cards, build on the tableau, and place cards on foundations until no legal moves remain or you have completed the foundations.
How a round or game ends
The game ends when you either build all cards onto the foundations or no legal moves remain. Some versions include redeals, a stock, or scoring, and those details differ by source. Check the authoritative rules or your house rules for scoring, redeals, and any special end conditions.
Beginner tips
- Focus on uncovering face-down cards first. Revealed cards give new options.
- Prefer moves that free columns or flip more cards, even if they don’t immediately go to the foundation.
- Be cautious about moving cards to the foundations too early if they block useful tableau moves.
- When in doubt, try to keep long alternating-color runs intact unless moving part of them opens a face-down card.
- Agree on the exact variant before you play: sequence movement and empty-column rules have the biggest effect on strategy.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use one full, normal 52-card deck. You do not need any special cards or equipment.
Can I move whole sequences of cards?
That depends on the version. Many players allow moving alternating-color descending sequences as a group. Some rule sets allow only single-card moves. Decide before you play or check the official reference.
What if I get stuck?
Try undoing your last move if you play digitally, or restart and try a different early choice. Also try different house rules (allowed sequence moves or fill rules) to find the version you like. For exact official rules and rarer details, check the authoritative reference before scoring or tournament play.