Canfield Solitaire

Canfield Solitaire (also called Demon Patience in the UK) is one of the most challenging and storied solitaire card games. Originally played in the casinos of Richard A. Canfield in the 1890s, players would pay $52 to play and earn $5 for each card placed on the foundations — the house almost always won.

How It Works

Thirteen cards are dealt face-down to the reserve pile with only the top card face-up. One card is placed on the first foundation, establishing the base rank for all four foundations. Four tableau columns receive one card each. The remaining cards form the stock pile, which deals three cards at a time to the waste pile.

Build foundations up in suit, wrapping from King through Ace back to the rank below the base. Build tableau columns down in alternating colors, also with wrapping. When a tableau column empties, it automatically fills from the reserve. When the stock is exhausted, flip the waste pile back over to form a new stock (unlimited redeals).

Tips for Winning

• Empty tableau columns are auto-filled from the reserve — use this to reveal hidden reserve cards
• Focus on depleting the reserve pile early for more flexibility
• Pay attention to the base rank — plan your foundation builds accordingly
• Don’t rush to move cards to foundations if they’re useful for tableau building
• Use the unlimited redeal wisely — track which cards cycle through the waste

Learn More

• How to Play Canfield Solitaire — Complete rules, setup, and strategy guide
• Play Klondike Solitaire — The classic draw-and-stack solitaire
• Play Golf Solitaire — Fast-paced solitaire with streak scoring
• Types of Solitaire — Explore 20+ solitaire variants