How to Play Four Seasons
Four Seasons is a quiet, thoughtful patience you can learn in a few deals. For more solitaire guides and friendly tips, visit Playmore — then try this walkthrough.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game name | Four Seasons |
| Family | European patience |
| Typical players | 1 |
| Deck | Standard full 52-card deck |
| Core idea | One central foundation with four surrounding tableau piles built in suit sequences through a seasonal layout |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to move cards so that the central foundation and the four surrounding tableau piles are arranged in proper suit sequences. Cards travel through a four-direction "seasonal" layout as you expose and place them. Exact build direction (up or down), starting ranks, and some move rules vary by version, so check the authoritative rules for the precise details you want to use.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. No special deck is required. The basic setup centers on a single foundation area and four tableau piles arranged around it like north, east, south, and west — the four seasons. How many cards go in each pile, whether any cards start face up or face down, and whether there is a reserve or stock are version-dependent. Use the official or house rules you prefer for those exact numbers.
How to play
- Deal the layout your chosen version uses: create the central foundation area, then place the four surrounding tableau piles in a cross or compass pattern.
- Expose the top card(s) of each tableau pile so you can move them. Most versions let you move only the top card of a pile unless a rule allows moving packed sequences.
- Move any card that fits the central foundation’s required suit sequence. Whether the foundation starts from an Ace, a specific rank, or another card depends on the rule set you chose.
- When you cannot move to the foundation, move available cards between the four tableau piles in suit sequence when allowed. The idea is to free useful cards and build toward the foundation.
- If your version includes a stock or reserve, follow that dealing rule to bring new cards into play when no other moves help. Some rules let you redeal or pass through the stock a limited number of times; others do not.
- Continue moving cards and dealing from the stock (if present) until no legal moves remain or you complete the foundations.
How a round or game ends
You win when all cards are placed into the final foundations according to the suit sequences required by your version. If no legal moves remain and you cannot deal any more cards from a stock or reserve, the round ends and you did not complete the game. Because details like starting ranks, permitted moves, and redeals change by version, check the authoritative rules for the exact win condition for your chosen rule set.
Beginner tips
- Learn the local version’s build direction first (up or down). That tells you which moves are legal.
- Expose buried cards. Freeing a single hidden card often opens many helpful moves.
- Use empty tableau spaces wisely. They usually become the best places to maneuver long sequences.
- Keep suits organized. Because foundations are suit-based, keeping suits accessible helps you finish piles faster.
- Play slowly. Think one or two moves ahead and avoid moving a card that will block a needed suit unless it gives you a clear gain.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Four Seasons uses a standard full 52-card deck. No special cards or purchases are necessary.
Can I move stacks of cards or only single cards?
That depends on the version you play. Some rules allow moving packed sequences; others only allow single-card moves. Check your chosen rule set before you start.
Where can I get the exact rules for the version I want?
There is an authoritative rule reference for Four Seasons. Because layouts and small rules vary, check the official rules for the precise setup, sequence direction, and stock or redeal limits you want to use.