How to Play Captive Queens
Captive Queens is a quiet, thoughtful solitaire that asks you to free the four queens while you build suit foundations. If you like puzzles that unfold slowly, this one is great — and you can find more guides at Playmore.
This guide gives a simple beginner walkthrough. Rules for Captive Queens vary by source, so check the authoritative or your regional rules for the exact layout and allowed moves.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game | Captive Queens |
| Family | American patience (solitaire) |
| Players | 1 |
| Deck | Full standard 52-card deck |
| Goal | Free the queens and build foundations by suit |
| Setup time | 2–5 minutes |
| Play time | 10–25 minutes (depends on version) |
What you are trying to do
Your main job is to release the four queens that start "trapped" in the layout and to build up the foundations by suit. That usually means clearing the cards that block each queen, creating space to maneuver, and moving cards to foundation piles in the correct suit order. Exact foundation starting ranks and building direction depend on the version you use, so double-check the rules your group follows.
What you need and how to set up
All you need is one normal 52-card deck and a flat surface. Captive Queens uses a tableau and a reserve area alongside foundation spots. The queens begin enclosed in the layout in a way that makes them "captive."
Because rules differ, follow the official layout for the version you want to play. Typical setups place queens in the center or at fixed positions with tableau piles around them and a small reserve of spare cards. If you play with friends or at a club, agree on the exact deal before starting.
How to play
- Deal the layout and reserve as your chosen version instructs. Leave the foundation spaces empty at first.
- Look for any cards you can move immediately to the foundations by suit. Many versions require building foundations from a particular rank; follow your rule set.
- Move available cards between tableau piles when allowed. Some versions permit building up or down on the tableau; others are stricter. Use only the moves your rules allow.
- Use the reserve as an extra source of playable cards. Play reserve cards onto tableau piles or foundations when legal.
- Free a queen by moving the cards that surround it. Once a queen is exposed, follow your version rules for where that queen should go (some rules place queens onto foundation spots; others keep them in the tableau).
- Keep repeating legal moves: move to foundations, rearrange tableau cards, and draw from reserve until no legal moves remain or you complete the foundations.
How a round or game ends
A typical win happens when all foundations are completed by suit and the four queens are released as required by the version you play. If you reach a state with no legal moves left and the foundations are incomplete, the game ends as a loss. Exact victory conditions and allowed moves can differ, so check the official or regional rules if you want a strict definition.
Beginner tips
- Prioritize moves that uncover hidden cards and free the queens.
- Keep empty tableau spaces useful. Some rules let you fill them only with certain cards; think before filling an empty spot.
- Use the reserve conservatively. Save reserve cards for when they open important plays.
- Focus on suit-building to avoid blocking cards of other suits behind them.
- If you get stuck, try undoing a few moves to test alternatives and learn what helps free a queen faster.
- Practice patience. Captive Queens rewards careful planning more than speed.
FAQ
How many players can play Captive Queens?
It’s a one-player solitaire game designed for solo play.
What deck do I need?
Use a single, full standard 52-card deck. No special cards are required.
Where can I find the exact rules for my version?
There are a few regional and source variants. Check the authoritative or regional rule set for the exact deal, allowed moves, and foundation building rules before you start.