How to Play Calculation
Calculation is a quiet, clever solo patience that asks you to think ahead and plan moves. If you like puzzles with cards, this guide will get you started — and you can find more from Playmore for other card games.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game name | Calculation |
| Family | British patience |
| Players | 1 (solo) |
| Deck | Full normal 52-card deck |
| Beginner focus | Four foundations advance by +1, +2, +3, and +4; four waste piles hold playable cards |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to build four foundation piles so every card from the deck ends up on a foundation. Each foundation advances in a fixed step: one adds by ones, another by twos, a third by threes, and the fourth by fours. You use the waste piles to hold cards until they can go to the correct foundation.
What you need and how to set up
Use a single, regular 52-card deck. Shuffle the deck well.
Lay out four foundation spaces in a row. Beside or below them place four waste piles. Keep the remaining cards as a face-down stock. Exact starting foundation ranks and whether you place an initial card on each foundation first can vary by version. Check an authoritative rules source for the precise setup your group prefers.
How to play
- Turn over the top card of the stock (or deal a small number, depending on your chosen rule). Look to see if it can be played to any foundation based on that foundation's step.
- If the card fits the next required rank on a foundation, place it there immediately.
- If it cannot go to a foundation, place it face up on one of the four waste piles. You may only move the top card of each waste pile later.
- After each play from the stock, check the top cards of the waste piles. Move any that can go to a foundation. Only move cards that correctly continue that foundation's step sequence.
- Repeat drawing from the stock and placing cards to foundations or waste until the stock is exhausted or you decide to reshuffle (house rules vary on redeals and passes).
- Planning is key. Because each foundation follows a different increment, a card that’s useless now may become important later. Use the waste piles to arrange a helpful order.
How a round or game ends
Versions differ, but the common win condition is when all cards are built onto the four foundations in their correct sequences. If the stock is empty and no top waste card can move to a foundation, the game ends and you stop. Check the official version you’re using to confirm redeals or pass limits.
Beginner tips
- Keep waste piles organized. Try not to bury a card you’ll need soon under many others.
- Watch the +2, +3, and +4 foundations closely. They skip ranks and can free key cards faster.
- When given a choice, place a card onto a waste pile where it is most likely to become reachable in order.
- Think a few moves ahead. Calculation rewards planning rather than random plays.
- Try different small rule sets (redeal allowed, one pass, etc.) to find a version you enjoy.
FAQ
Is Calculation always a single-player game?
Yes. Calculation is a solo patience designed for one player to arrange the whole deck into the four foundation sequences.
Do I need any special cards or decks?
No. Use a normal 52-card deck. Do not buy a special deck; the game is meant to be played with an ordinary pack.
Where can I find the exact official rules?
There is an authoritative rules reference online. Because regional and house rules vary, check that official source for precise starting cards, wrap rules, and redeal options before playing a formal version.