How to Play Baker's Dozen
Welcome — this guide will get you started with Baker's Dozen. For more card-game guides like this one, visit Playmore for ideas and tips.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Baker's Dozen |
| Type | British patience (solitaire) |
| Typical players | 1 |
| Deck | One full, normal 52-card deck |
| Setup highlight | Thirteen tableau piles with exposed cards |
| Distinct from | FreeCell and Klondike — layout and play feel are different |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is simple. Move all cards from the tableau to the foundation piles. The foundations are built in suit in most versions, usually from low to high. Because many rule sets vary, check the authoritative or house rules your group uses for the exact foundation sequence and allowed moves.
What you need and how to set up
Use a single, normal 52-card deck. Shuffle well. Deal the entire deck into thirteen tableau piles. Each pile gets the same number of cards so the layout ends with all piles visible. All cards are left face up so you can see every top card.
How to play
- Look for Aces and other low cards that start the foundations. When a card fits the foundation rules your version uses, move it there.
- Move available top cards from the tableau to the foundations when allowed. That shrinks the piles and reveals lower cards.
- Check which tableau moves are legal in your version. Some groups allow only single-card moves. Others permit building down on tableau columns. Follow your group's rule set.
- Use empty tableau piles carefully. Different rule sets treat empty piles differently. In many versions you can place any card on an empty pile, but this can vary.
- Keep repeating moves to free buried cards. Each reveal can create new moves to foundations or between piles according to your rules.
- If you reach a point with no legal moves, the round ends. Some variations add scoring or reshuffles; consult the official rules for that version.
How a round or game ends
You win when all cards are on the foundations according to the build order your version requires. If you cannot make any legal moves and cards remain in the tableau, the round is over and you have not cleared the game. Exact scoring, special handling of kings, or allowed redeals differ by source, so check the official or regional rules your group follows for specifics.
Beginner tips
- Scan the whole tableau before moving. Seeing all top cards helps plan better moves.
- Free small cards first. That creates more foundation moves and reveals buried cards.
- Be cautious moving cards into empty piles. It can block useful cards if your rules limit later moves.
- Avoid pointless shuffling of piles. Each move should aim to free a needed card or to build on the foundations.
- Practice patience. Baker's Dozen is about careful planning more than fast decisions.
FAQ
Can I move whole sequences between tableau piles?
That depends on the version you play. Some groups allow only single-card moves. Others permit moving sequences. Check the official or house rules before you start.
Are kings treated specially?
Some rule sets move kings to the bottom of their columns during setup or allow special handling. This is a common variation, so verify the exact setup for the version you play.
Is Baker's Dozen very hard?
It can be tricky at first, but it's a great patience game for learning planning and card sequencing. With practice you will spot better moves and win more often.