Penguin Solitaire is a captivating solitaire game that will keep you entertained for a long time. It is based on freecell solitaire, but with some differences that make it very interesting.

Differences between Freecell and Penguin Solitaire…

Before we get into the details of how to play penguin solitaire, here’s a brief summary of the differences between freecell and penguin…

• In penguin solitaire, the blank columns can only be filled with a certain card. In freecell, they can be filled with anything.
• Sequences are built cell free in descending alternating colors. The sequences in penguin are built in descending order of the same suit.
• Penguin solitaire allows you to move sequences of any length (as long as they are of the same suit). Freecell solitaire allows you to move sequences based on the number of empty columns and free cells available.
• Freecell solitaire moves cards to the foundation starting with Ace. The base rank in Penguin Solitaire can be any rank.
• Penguin solitaire has 7 free cells, while standard free cell solitaire uses 4.

lonely penguin…

When the game starts, 3 cards are dealt directly to the foundations. These are all of the same rank (not necessarily an Ace). The remaining base card will always be on top of the first pile.

There are 7 piles, each with 7 face up cards. There are 8 free cells, all empty.

Playing lonely penguin…

The cards are played to the bottom and surround the King.

So, for example, if the base rank is a 6, the cards will be played to the base in the following order:

7, 8, 9, 10, Y, Q, K, A, 2, 3, 4, 5

The cards in the tableau are built in descending rank, with the same suit. Multiple cards can be moved in sequence at one time. (Unlike Freecell solitaire, the length of the sequence is not based on the number of empty free cells and columns.)

An empty column can only be filled with card 1 less than the base rank. So if the base rank is a 6, only a 5 can be placed in an empty column. If the base rank is Ace, only one King can be used.

Penguin solitaire strategy…

Penguin solitaire is generally easier than Freecell solitaire, but occasionally there are deals that are very difficult to play.

These offers require extra special attention, and the following points are worth thinking about…

• You must play any card to the foundation, as soon as you can. If a card can be moved to the base, there is no point in holding it, as there is no strategic advantage in doing so.
• Consider the game carefully at first. Sometimes it’s worth emptying the first column and sometimes it’s not.
• Don’t move a card just because it can be moved. Sometimes it’s better NOT to sequence, so there are fewer cards to move later.
• Try to keep as many free cells empty as possible.