How to Play Carpet
Welcome — this page shows a simple way to learn Carpet, a quiet British patience. If you like short, thoughtful card solitaires, this one is neat. You can find more guides at Playmore.
Quick facts
| Game | Family | Players | Deck | Beginner focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | British patience | 1 | Normal 52-card deck (standard deck) | Compact 4×5 tableau with reserve cards |
What you are trying to do
The main goal is to move cards from the tableau and reserve onto the foundations. In most versions you build the foundations by suit until each suit is complete. Exact building directions and deal rules vary between sources, so check your group's chosen rules for the official sequence.
What you need and how to set up
You only need one normal 52-card deck. No special cards are required. Find a clear flat surface and a place for a small stock or reserve pile.
Typical setup (version-dependent):
- Deal a compact 4×5 tableau (20 cards) in four columns of five cards each so the layout looks like a small carpet. Many players place these cards face up so the top cards are visible.
- Put the remaining cards aside as the reserve or stock. How you use that reserve varies by version.
- Leave space for up to four foundation piles (one per suit) at the top or side.
Because rules differ, check the authoritative source your group prefers for whether tableau cards start face up, how many foundation starting ranks there are, and how the reserve is used.
How to play
- Expose playable cards. Look at the top card of each tableau pile and the top card of the reserve or waste (if one is used).
- Move any card you can to the foundations. Most versions require building by suit on the foundations, but the exact start card (Ace or another rank) may differ by rule set.
- Clear or rearrange tableau cards when rules allow. Some versions let you move single cards only. Others let you move sequences. Follow the variant you chose.
- If you have no useful moves, draw from the reserve or stock. Many play by turning one card from the stock to a waste, then using that waste card if legal. The draw method depends on the version you follow.
- Keep playing: move what you can, draw when needed, and free up tableau cards to access lower cards. Repeat until you either complete the foundations or cannot make any legal moves.
How a round or game ends
A successful round usually ends when all cards are built onto the foundations. If you cannot make any legal moves and the stock is exhausted (or your version has no more allowed draws), the round ends unsuccessfully. Exact end conditions and scoring, if any, are version-dependent, so check the rules your group uses for the precise win condition.
Beginner tips
- Work slowly and watch the tableau carefully. One small move can free many cards.
- Try to uncover buried low-rank cards early. Foundations often depend on them.
- Use the reserve draws sparingly if your version limits them. Some reserves are the only way to access hidden cards.
- If your group has house rules, agree them before you start. That avoids confusion about moving sequences or the draw method.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck to play Carpet?
No. Carpet uses a standard 52-card deck. You don’t need any extra or special cards.
Can I move whole sequences inside the tableau?
That depends on the variant you play. Some versions allow moving sequences; others allow only single-card moves. Decide before you start or check the official rules for your version.
Where can I find the exact official rules?
There is an authoritative rule reference for Carpet. Because versions vary, check that source or your group’s preferred rules for precise building order, deal specifics, and any scoring methods.