Penguin Solitaire is a unique FreeCell variant invented by David Parlett, the renowned British games scholar. What sets Penguin apart is the "beak" mechanic—the first card dealt determines the starting rank for all four foundations, making every game a fresh puzzle from the very first card.
When you start a game, the first card dealt becomes the "beak." This card's rank sets the foundation starting point. The other three cards of the same rank are automatically moved to their foundation piles. For example, if the beak is a 7♠, all four foundations begin with 7s, and you'll build up from there: 7→8→9→10→J→Q→K→A→2→3→4→5→6.
The beak also determines which cards can fill empty columns—only cards of the rank one below the beak. If your beak is a 7, only 6s can fill empty spaces. If the beak is an Ace, only Kings can fill empty columns (sequences wrap around).
Penguin uses 7 tableau columns (instead of 8 like FreeCell) and 7 reserve cells called "the flipper." All 49 remaining cards are dealt to the tableau in 7 columns of 7 cards each, all face-up.
You win when all 52 cards are moved to the four foundation piles. Each foundation must contain all 13 cards of one suit, built up from the beak rank with wrapping. The game automatically detects when you've won and celebrates your victory.
Penguin Solitaire belongs to the FreeCell family of solitaire games. These games share the defining characteristic of using temporary holding cells (called "free cells" or "reserve cells") that allow players to temporarily store cards while maneuvering the tableau.
All FreeCell-type games deal cards face-up from the start, making them games of pure skill with no hidden information. Penguin uses 7 reserve cells (called "the flipper") and 7 tableau columns, plus its signature "beak" mechanic.
Other games in the FreeCell family include FreeCell (alternating colors), Baker's Game (same-suit, 4 cells), Eight Off (8 cells), and Seahaven Towers (10 columns).
While Penguin offers generous flexibility with 7 cells and unlimited sequence moves, the same-suit restriction and variable foundations require thoughtful play. Here are strategies to improve your game:
Penguin Solitaire was invented by David Parlett, one of the world's foremost authorities on card games. Parlett is the author of "The Penguin Book of Card Games" (which gave this game its name) and "The Oxford Guide to Card Games," among many other works on games and game history.
The game combines familiar elements from the FreeCell family with innovative twists. The "beak" mechanic that determines the foundation starting rank ensures that no two games play the same—the strategy shifts completely depending on which rank becomes the beak. Combined with same-suit building, wrapping sequences, and the restricted empty-column rule, Penguin offers a fresh challenge every time.
Parlett has invented numerous card games, including Ninety-Nine and Abstrac. His design philosophy emphasizes strategic depth while maintaining accessibility—principles clearly evident in Penguin's elegant balance of flexibility and constraint.
Penguin stands out in the FreeCell family with its unique combination of features:
These differences make Penguin feel distinct from its cousins. The extra cells and unlimited moves add flexibility, while the same-suit restriction and variable foundations add challenge.
Love Penguin? Try these other solitaire variants on Solitaire Scramble:
The classic with alternating color building and 4 free cells. Nearly 100% of games are winnable.
Same-suit building like Penguin, but with 4 cells and Aces as foundation starts.
8 cells and same-suit building. Empty columns only accept Kings.
10 columns and 4 cells. Only Kings can fill empty columns.
The "beak" is the first card dealt in Penguin. Its rank becomes the starting point for all four foundations. The other three cards of the same rank are automatically placed on their respective foundation piles at the start of the game.
Only cards of the rank one below the beak can fill empty columns. For example, if the beak is a 5, only 4s can fill empty columns. If the beak is an Ace, only Kings can fill empty spaces (due to wrapping).
In Penguin, sequences wrap around from King to Ace and vice versa. In the tableau, you can place a King on an Ace (building down). In foundations, you can place an Ace on a King (building up). This creates a circular sequence.
Penguin has 7 reserve cells, called "the flipper." All 7 cells start empty. This is more than FreeCell's 4 cells but the same-suit building restriction balances the extra flexibility.
Yes! Unlike FreeCell and Baker's Game, Penguin allows you to move entire same-suit sequences regardless of how many empty cells or columns you have. This makes rearranging the tableau much easier.
Penguin has a similar difficulty to FreeCell. While it offers more cells (7 vs 4) and unlimited sequence moves, the same-suit building restriction and variable foundation start add complexity. Most deals are solvable with careful play.