Four Seasons Solitaire has a distinctive cross-shaped layout and foundations that wrap around the deck. It is a refreshingly different single-deck game that plays quickly and rewards careful card management.
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Play Free Four Seasons →Four Seasons Layout
Four Seasons uses one standard deck. Five cards are dealt face-up in a cross pattern — one in the center and one on each side (top, bottom, left, right). These five form the tableau. The remaining 47 cards form the stock pile.
Four corner positions serve as the foundation piles. The first card played to a foundation determines the starting rank for all four foundations. For example, if a 7 goes first, all four foundations start at 7 and build 7→8→9→10→J→Q→K→A→2→3→4→5→6.
Gameplay Rules
- Foundation: Build each pile up by suit in a wrapping sequence (any rank can start).
- Tableau: The 5 cross positions can each hold one card. Build down in any suit (no suit matching required), but only one card per space.
- Stock: Flip one card at a time. Play it to a foundation, tableau space, or if neither is possible, discard it.
- Redeals: You can redeal the discard pile a limited number of times (usually twice).
Winning Strategy
Four Seasons is more luck-dependent than FreeCell but more strategic than pure luck games. Key principles:
Prioritize Foundation Moves
Always move a card to the foundation if you can. Foundations are the goal — never skip a valid foundation play.
Keep Low-Value Tableau Slots Open
Tableau spaces are scarce (only 5). Reserve them for cards that block important foundation plays, not just any card you cannot place.
Difficulty Level
Four Seasons is moderately luck-dependent. Win rates hover around 60-70% depending on the deal and how many redeals are allowed. It is a fast game — most games finish in 5-10 minutes — making it great for quick sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cross layout in Four Seasons?
Four Seasons deals 5 cards in a plus/cross shape — one center card and four cards at north, south, east, west positions. The four corners hold the foundation piles.
Do foundations wrap in Four Seasons?
Yes — the starting rank is determined by the first card played to a foundation, and foundations wrap around (e.g., K→A→2→3...).
How many times can you redeal in Four Seasons?
Typically two redeals are allowed, giving you three passes through the stock. Some variants allow more.
Is Four Seasons Solitaire hard?
It is moderately difficult with a significant luck component. Win rates are around 60-70% with good play. It is simpler than FreeCell but more strategic than pure luck games.
Why is it called Four Seasons Solitaire?
The name likely refers to the four foundation piles in the corners, reminiscent of the four seasons. It is also sometimes called "Corner Card" or "Vanishing Cross" solitaire.