How to Play Australian Patience
Australian Patience is a calm, thoughtful solitaire you can learn quickly. If you like card puzzles, this two-deck version is a nice challenge — welcome to Playmore for more beginner guides.
Quick facts
| Game | Type | Players | Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Patience | Australia / solitaire (tableau patience) | 1–2 | One normal 52-card deck or two normal 52-card decks; this guide focuses on the two-deck tableau version |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is to move cards from the layout into the foundation piles so they finish in the correct final order. You usually build across the tableau and move sequences to expose hidden cards. Exact foundation order, allowed builds, and scoring vary by local or published rules, so check the authoritative version your group uses.
What you need and how to set up
Use one or two regular 52-card decks. For the two-deck beginner setup, shuffle both decks together. Lay out the tableau and leave space for foundation piles and a stock/waste area. Many versions deal several columns of face-down cards topped with a face-up card; others use different column counts or initial deals. Because that detail changes by rule set, stop here and follow the version you choose for the exact number of columns and whether some cards start face-down.
How to play
- Look at the tableau and the top card(s) on the stock or waste if you have one. Find any cards that can move directly to the foundations according to your chosen rules.
- Build on the tableau where allowed. In many patience games you place cards onto other tableau piles to create sequences; some rules only allow single-card moves, while others let you move built sequences. Use the rules you agreed on for sequence moves.
- When you reveal a face-down card, flip it immediately. Revealing cards is often more valuable than an early foundation move because it opens new options.
- If no useful tableau moves exist, draw from the stock (if your version uses one) and add that card to the waste. Play the waste card when it fits. If your rules allow multiple passes through the stock, follow that local rule.
- Fill empty tableau spaces as your rules allow. Some versions require a specific card to fill a gap; other versions allow any card or only kings. Follow your chosen rule and plan fills to free useful cards.
- Repeat these steps: move to foundations, build on tableau, draw from stock when needed, and expose face-down cards. Keep an eye on long-term access to buried cards when you rearrange sequences.
How a round or game ends
A game ends when you have moved all cards into the foundations (a win) or when no legal moves remain and no stock draws can change the position. Some local rules include scoring or limited redeals; those specifics are version-dependent, so follow your chosen rule set for scoring and win conditions.
Beginner tips
- Prioritize uncovering face-down cards. More face-up cards mean more options.
- Don’t rush to move every playable card to the foundations. Sometimes keeping a card in the tableau helps free others.
- When you can move a whole sequence, ask if that opens more useful moves than breaking the sequence apart.
- Save empty tableau spots for critical cards you need to free other piles.
- Practice patience. Two-deck games are longer but satisfying when you find good chains.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use one normal 52-card deck or two normal 52-card decks. This guide focuses on the two-deck tableau form, but single-deck versions exist.
How often can I redeal the stock?
That depends on the version you play. Some rules allow no redeals, some allow a limited number, and others let you cycle through freely. Check the rule set you’re using for the exact stock/deal rule.
Where can I find the exact rules for my local version?
There are authoritative and regional rule sets online and in print. Because layout counts and move permissions change by source, check the official or regional rules you prefer before playing to learn the precise deal and building rules.