Gaps Solitaire

Gaps Solitaire trades the classic tableau for a grid of sixteen columns where every card finds its place by suit and rank. The twist? You begin by pulling out all Aces and Twos, leaving deliberate holes, then rebuild each suit from Three upward until the Kings seal the deal. It sounds straightforward, but the open spaces create a constant push-and-pull between available moves and the cards you actually need. What makes this puzzle sticky is the planning required. One careless slide can bury a needed Three behind a wall of Sevens, forcing a reshuffle of the entire layout. With no undo button and a limited number of reshuffles per deal, every decision carries weight. Whether you're chasing a perfect run or just trying to finish, Gaps Solitaire rewards patience and sharp observation over luck.

WaffleMath

Gaps Solitaire

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

MP3Argue with math MP1Make sense of problems MP5Use tools strategically MP7Use structure 5.NF.B.4Multiply fractions 3.MD.C.5Understand area 4.G.A.3Line symmetry

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3rd Grade · 4th Grade · 5th Grade

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What is Gaps Solitaire

A fresh take on solitary card arranging, Gaps Solitaire turns a shuffled deck into a neat grid of ascending runs. Pick your moves wisely, because each hole in the layout is a chance to build—or a trap to avoid.

How to Play

Start by removing the Aces and Twos from the tableau, then slide cards into the empty spaces to create sequences of the same suit from Three to King. Use the shuffle option when no moves remain, but plan ahead because reshuffles are limited.

Tips for Playing

Always prioritize moving the lowest rank of each suit, like Threes and Fours, before addressing higher cards.
Keep a mental note of where each suit's needed card is hiding to avoid unnecessary reshuffles.
When you create a hole, use it to bring a card closer to its proper column rather than just filling it randomly.
Don't waste a reshuffle early; try to expose at least two or three potential moves before calling for one.
Aim to complete one suit fully before focusing on others, as a finished run frees up columns and reduces clutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I remove the Aces and Twos?

The gaps left behind become empty slots where you can place the next card in a sequence, like a Three after a Two (if you had one) or a Four after a Three.

Can I move any card into an empty space?

No, only a card that follows the previous card in the same suit and rank order can be placed in a gap. For example, a Five of Hearts can go after a Four of Hearts.

Is the game winnable every time?

Most deals are winnable with careful play, but some configurations may require a reshuffle to complete. The number of reshuffles is typically limited, so use them wisely.

What does the shuffle button do?

It randomly rearranges the remaining cards in the tableau (except completed columns) to create new opportunities, but it consumes one of your limited reshuffles.

How do I win the game?

You win when all four suits are arranged in ascending order from Three to King, with each suit in its own column and no gaps left unfilled.