How to play: Calculation

Calculation is a relatively difficult solitaire game. Solitaire Whizz for iPad includes two versions of this game (the so-called 3-pile and 4-pile versions).

Layout

A random Ace, 2, 3 and 4 are placed in a column. Each of these cards will start a foundation. The remainder of the cards are dealt on to a stock pile. To the left of the stock pile are three or four empty heaps.

Figure 1 shows how this looks for the 4-heap variant.

Calculation (4-heap variant) in Solitaire Whizz for iPad

Aim

The aim of the game is to build all of the cards on to the four foundations in a special order (see below).

Gameplay

At any time, the following cards are available:

• the top card of the stock pile;
• the top card of each heap.

Any available card can be built on to any foundation, provided that the following building order is respected:

• on to the Ace foundation, you must build up in ones: A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...;
• on to the Two foundation, you must build up in twos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q...;
• on to the Three foundation, you must build up in threes: 3, 6, 9, Q, 2...;
• on to the Four foundation, you must build up in fours: 4, 8, Q, 3, 7....

The top card of the stock pile may also be placed on top of any of the heaps. (Cards cannot be moved between heaps or moved from a heap back to the stock.) Therefore, the heaps provide a means for you to organise the cards before playing on to the foundations in the correct order.

You win the game if you manage to build all of the cards on to the foundations. Realistically, this is very difficult, especially in the 3-pile variant, and a more realistic aim is to try and beat your previous record.

History

The game of Calculation appears as Le Calcul in Lady Adelaide Cadogan's Illustrated Games of Patience (1874).