How to Play Little Napoleon
Little Napoleon is a quiet, thinking solitaire that arranges cards in a Napoleon-themed tableau and builds them toward suit foundations. If you want a friendly place to start, this guide walks through the basics and links you to Playmore for more beginner pages.
Quick facts
| Game | Type | Players | Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Napoleon | European patience (solitaire) | 1 | Full normal 52-card deck |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to move cards from a special Napoleon-style tableau to the suit foundations. Foundations hold cards by suit in a growing order until all cards are placed. You expose face-down cards in the tableau by making legal moves and use those new cards to continue building. Exact build order and layout vary by version, so check the authoritative rules for the precise setup your group prefers.
What you need and how to set up
All you need is one normal 52-card deck and a flat surface. The classic Little Napoleon uses a small tableau arranged in a Napoleon-themed pattern with space reserved for four suit foundations. Some cards in the tableau are face-down and some face-up. Deal the tableau as described in the official rules you follow. If you and your friends use a house variant, agree on the layout and any special moves before you begin.
How to play
- Start by looking at all face-up cards in the tableau. Any card that can legally go to a foundation should be moved there according to your rules for build order.
- If a card can be moved between tableau piles under your version’s building rules, move it to free or expose more cards. Only move cards that your group allows: some versions let you move single cards only, others allow moving visible sequences.
- When a face-down card becomes exposed, turn it face-up and re-check all possible moves. New face-up cards can often go straight to a foundation.
- Use any reserve, stock, or waste piles only if your version includes them. These components change the flow of play, so follow the official rule set you agreed on.
- Keep repeating moves to foundations and between tableau piles until no legal moves remain or all cards are in foundations.
How a round or game ends
A game ends when you either place all cards on the foundations or you can’t make any more legal moves. If all cards end up on the foundations you win. If the tableau locks and no moves are possible, the round is over and you can try again. Exact win conditions and allowed last moves are version-dependent, so check the official rules you are following.
Beginner tips
- Move to the foundations when it doesn’t block other useful moves. Sometimes holding a card in the tableau helps reveal hidden cards faster.
- Work on exposing face-down cards first. New face-up cards create fresh options.
- Plan one or two moves ahead. Look for moves that free piles or expose helpful sequences.
- If your version allows moving sequences, use that to tidy piles and free important cards.
- Be ready to restart with small rule changes. Trying a different legal move order teaches you strategy fast.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Little Napoleon uses a normal 52-card deck. You don’t need any special cards or purchases.
Can I move more than one card at a time?
That depends on the version you play. Some rules allow moving exposed sequences; others allow only single-card moves. Check the official rule set you follow.
Where can I find the exact layout and special rules?
There is an authoritative rule reference online. Groups should check that source or their local rules to confirm the exact tableau layout, build order, and any special moves before playing.