The original version of Solitaire, also known as Klondike Solitaire, remains one of the simplest and most accessible computer games. It isn’t competitive, but it’s fun and arguably the most relaxing card game you can play. The new two-deck version introduces the element of competition, which has new players looking for strategies to use in their matches.
Here are some strategies you can use to win the 2-deck Solitaire:
- Understand Double Solitaire.
- Master the rules.
- Prioritize on reducing larger piles.
- Be as fast as possible.
- Think about color and card types.
- Change strategy when necessary.
In this article, I’ll explore the above strategies in detail to help improve your winning chances. I’ll also provide you with all the basic information on double-deck Solitaire. Let’s go!
6 Strategies To Help You Win Double Solitaire Games
The following tips will improve your gameplay and maximize your chances to win at 2-Deck Solitaire:
1. Master the Rules
When engaging in any competitive game, my main rule is to always stick to games I understand. The open secret is that you can’t get good at a game before mastering the fundamentals, and the same applies with Double Klondike.
The game revolves around two players building four stacks of cards from the available cards. The result will be two piles of club cards, two piles of hearts cards, two piles of diamond cards, and two piles of diamond cards.
Here are the basic rules of 2-Deck Solitaire:
- The bottom-most card in the tableau is always facing up.
- All face cards in the tableau should appear in descending order.
- Both players share the eight-game foundations. Players can move games to the foundations beginning with the Ace in descending order.
- You can only reveal a single card on the stockpile at a time.
The first player to clear his pile wins the game.
If you want to know the rules a bit more in detail, then I have a detailed article on how to play 2 deck solitaire correctly.
2. Prioritize on Reducing Larger Piles
Success in double Solitaire relies on your ability to clear all your cards from the tableau before your opponent. For this reason, focusing on revealing your files is a formidable strategy.
You can expose your cards by focusing on moving exposed cards to other piles. This will reveal the next hidden card. Target larger stacks before smaller stacks.
3. Be As Fast as Possible
Solitaire is a game of concentration. However, speed comes in handy for Double Klondike, as your opponent will potentially take up chances that you could utilize. This trick also works on timed Solitaire.
Playing quickly can also throw your opponent off and leave them with less time to think. As in any competitive game, mind games can play a role in 2-deck Solitaire.
4. Think About Color and Card Types
Think about the color and card type first when deciding to fill a foundation space with a king. The color of the King card determines the color of cards you will put over it. Since you don’t want to get stuck midway, analyze your cards critically and only move them when necessary.
5. Change Strategy When Necessary
Sometimes a change of strategy is inevitable, and this shouldn’t be a big deal for you. Consider changing your strategy whenever you find it impossible to add cards to the foundation or reveal more down-facing cards.
Sticking to your game plan in such a situation means you will be waiting for defeat or getting stuck altogether. Changing your strategy could mean trying to make a single pile or moving numbers around until you find a way out of the mess.
How to Set Up 2-Deck Solitaire
First, you need to acquaint yourself with the setup of a 2-deck Solitaire. Here are some of its key elements:
- Acquiring two decks of cards. Each player will need a deck of cards. Unless you’re playing on a computer, you will need to acquire two decks of cards. You can get these online or at your local games store.
- Remove the joker cards. Each set of cards has a pair of joker cards: black and white. Remove the joker cards from each deck. They aren’t used in Solitaire, but you can use them as replacements if you lose any cards.
- Shuffle both decks well. The game will be pretty predictable if you do not shuffle the cards. Make sure that you shuffle the decks separately to avoid ending up with duplicates.
Understand and Set Up the Tableau
The tableau is the place or section where the Double Solitaire is set up and action occurs. Each player should individually set up the game in the following way:
- Hold your deck facing down and pull the top card. Lay the card down and turn it to face up.
- Pull the first six cards and place them facing down from left to right. With this, each player will have seven piles. Pick the next pile from your deck and put it on the second card from left on the tableau—the first card facing down.
- Add another six cards on top of the row. The first one will be facing up, while the rest will be facing down. Skip the first face-up card.
- Place the rest of the cards in a stockpile. Add two face-down cards on the third pile, three on the fourth, four on the fifth, five on the sixth, and six on the seventh. Put a face-up card on each pile, from the third pile to the last one.
- Now you’re good to go. Both players should have the same setup. The leftover cards are the stockpile, which you will both place on the side.
What Is Double Solitaire?
Double Solitaire or Double Klondike is the competitive version of Solitaire. This variation supports two players playing competitively in turn-based gameplay. Each player tries to outplay the other until one wins.
The game is generally similar to the original Solitaire Klondike versions. However, it allows for two players in a single game, and players can play with aces the moment they come up or borrow cards whenever they need them.
Did you know: Solitaire can be learned in a matter of hours. After a few dozens of games, you should be able to win half of the single-player Solitaire games. I suggest you get really good at single-player solitaire first, before trying head-to-head.
