Calculation Solitaire
Calculation is a unique math-based solitaire where suit doesn't matter — only rank. Four foundations build up using different counting intervals: by 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s, wrapping around from King back to Ace. The challenge lies entirely in managing your four waste piles to access cards in the right order.
How Calculation Works
Start with an Ace, 2, 3, and 4 as foundation bases. Draw cards one at a time from the stock. Each drawn card must go to a foundation (if it matches the next expected rank) or a waste pile. The top card of each waste pile is available to play to foundations at any time. There is no redeal — once the stock is empty, you can only play from waste pile tops.
The Sequences
Foundation 1 (+1): A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K
Foundation 2 (+2): 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K
Foundation 3 (+3): 3, 6, 9, Q, 2, 5, 8, J, A, 4, 7, 10, K
Foundation 4 (+4): 4, 8, Q, 3, 7, J, 2, 6, 10, A, 5, 9, K
Strategy Tips
- Dedicate each waste pile to a specific range of ranks — don't mix randomly.
- Keep one waste pile empty or nearly empty as a “buffer” for unexpected cards.
- Learn the sequences! Knowing what's coming next on each foundation is crucial.
- Kings are always last — plan to bury them deep in waste piles early.
- Watch all four foundations simultaneously — a card might fit one you didn't expect.
Learn More
- How to Play Calculation — Complete rules and strategy guide
- Play Baker's Dozen — Another foundation-building solitaire
- Play FreeCell — The classic free cell solitaire
- Types of Solitaire — Explore 20+ solitaire variants
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