How Australian Patience works
A short, strict game. You see the whole layout and the deck decides the rest.
- Layout. Seven columns of three cards, all face up. The other 31 cards are the stock. Four foundations.
- Building. Place a card on another of the same suit one rank higher: a 6 of diamonds on a 7 of diamonds.
- Moving. Move one card, or a run in one suit and in order. Only a King, or a run starting with a King, fills an empty column.
- The stock. Turn one card at a time onto the waste. It can be played to a column or a foundation. One pass only.
Tips for Australian Patience
- Look for the Aces and 2s. Free the low cards early so the foundations can start.
- Keep suits together. Runs in one suit move as a unit and go home in order.
- Hold the Kings. They are the only cards that can go into a gap.
- Use Undo. It is unlimited.
More games to try
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Australian Patience?
Seven columns of three cards are dealt face up. Build down in the same suit and move a run of cards together if they are in one suit and in order. Turn cards one at a time from the stock onto the waste, once through only.
How do you win Australian Patience?
Move all 52 cards to the four foundations, each built up in one suit from the Ace to the King.
What goes into an empty column?
Only a King, or a run starting with a King.
Can I go through the stock again?
No. The stock has 31 cards and is turned over once.
How is it different from Klondike?
Klondike hides cards and builds in alternating colours. Australian Patience has no hidden cards and builds in suit, so it is harder to get going and gives you more to plan.
Is Australian Patience hard?
Yes, and many deals cannot be won. Because everything is visible, you can see early which cards are in trouble.