Solitaire Napoleon's Square

Napoleon's Square is a thoughtful card puzzle that asks you to untangle a jumbled layout of 16 columns. Instead of relying on luck, progress comes from careful planning as you shift cards around the tableau to expose hidden ones. Your goal is methodically building up each of the four foundations, starting with aces and ending with kings, one suit at a time. The neat grid of columns gives the game a structured, almost architectural feel—each move must be deliberate to avoid painting yourself into a corner. What makes this patience variant so engaging is the balance between simplicity and depth. With no time pressure, you can take a breath and map out your strategy, weighing each decision as you peel back layers of the arrangement. It's a quiet, satisfying puzzle that rewards patience and pattern recognition. Whether you're a seasoned solitaire player or new to the genre, the clear rules and tidy layout make it easy to pick up, while the hidden cards keep you guessing until the final pile is complete.

WaffleMath

Solitaire Napoleon's Square

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 3.NF.A.2Fractions on a number line 4.NBT.A.2Read and compare big numbers

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What is Solitaire Napoleon's Square

Put your card-sorting skills to the test in Napoleon's Square, a solitaire twist where order emerges from a 16-column grid. Arrange every suit from ace to king to claim victory.

How to Play

Click on a card to move it to another column, stacking it on a card of the opposite color with a value one higher. Build each foundation pile by placing cards in ascending order, starting with aces, on the four designated spots.

Tips for Playing

Always clear face-down cards quickly to reveal what's underneath.
Keep empty columns open as flexible holding areas for sequences.
Prioritize moving aces and twos to foundations early to open up the tableau.
Before committing, check if a move unblocks more cards than it blocks.
Think several moves ahead, especially when columns are nearly empty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move a stack of cards at once?

No, you move only one card at a time in this variant. Plan sequences carefully to avoid reversing progress.

What happens when I can't make any more moves?

If the tableau is blocked with no legal moves, the game ends. You can restart to shuffle the cards for a fresh deal.

Is there a timer or scoring system?

There's no timer, so you can play at your own pace. Scoring is based on successful card placements to the foundations.

How do I win the game?

Win by transferring all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, each built from ace to king in the same suit.

Can I undo a wrong move?

Yes, most versions allow an undo button so you can take back a move and try a different approach.

What's the best strategy for beginners?

Start by uncovering hidden cards and moving aces to foundations immediately. Keep columns balanced and avoid filling them with single suited sequences.