How to Play Martha Solitaire

In Martha Solitaire, cards in the tableau alternate between face-up and face-down, and the foundation starts with Aces already placed there.

Objective

The goal is to move and organize all cards from the tableau into 4 foundation piles in ascending order.

The Setup and Play Area

Tableau: This is the area where cards are placed in 12 columns with 4 cards each. The first card in each column is face-down, the second card is face-up, the third card is face-down, and the fourth card is face-up. In total, there are 48 cards in the tableau.

Foundation piles: There are 4 foundation piles each starting with an Ace. Place cards here in ascending order by suit to win the game.

Available moves

• The last exposed card in each tableau column can be moved to the foundation if it's in the correct ascending order. For example, to start the game, a 2 of Hearts can be moved on top of the Ace of Hearts.
• Only the last exposed card in the tableau column can be moved to the foundation or on top of another card of the of the opposite color, one rank higher. A 4 of Spades, for example, can be moved on top of a 5 of Diamonds.
• You can move multiple cards at a time in the tableau. To move a group of cards, they must be sequenced, and the top card of that group must be placed on top of another card one rank higher and of the opposite color.
• A face-down cards is turned over when the card on top of it is moved.
• Cards cannot be placed in empty tableau columns.
• You win when all cards are placed in the foundation.

Strategy

• Immediately move the 2s to the foundation.
• The first visible sequence may not always be the best one. Plan out your moves to remove as many cards as possible from the tableau.
• Because foundations are built from Ace to King, try to make low cards available so you can move them out of the tableau into the foundation.
• Try to build the foundations evenly. If one foundation is built immediately in the game, you now have fewer cards of that color to help you sequence.
• If you get stuck, use the undo button. You may not always make the right moves, and you may need to reverse some to win the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are similar games?

Try Bisley Solitaire, where the game starts with Aces already placed in the foundation.

What is the probability of winning?

The game is challenging with a low win rate, even though you start with 4 cards in the foundation. We looked at 1,229 random games played. Of those, 13 were won, or 1.09%. Because cards cannot be moved to empty tableau columns, it limits your options to free up cards.

What are other popular Solitaire games?

Be sure to check out these Solitaire games:

• Solitaire
• Klondike
• Mahjong
• Spider Solitaire
• FreeCell Solitaire
• Yukon Solitaire
• TriPeaks Solitaire
• Pyramid Solitaire
• Golf Solitaire