This article answers some questions about the solitaire set up, which includes the amount of rows, columns, foundations, how many cards are used, and where everything is placed on the table. (see picture at bottom)
How Many Foundations Are in Solitaire?
Solitaire has 4 foundations. These positions aren’t filled during the initial setup. The 4 foundations are placed above columns 4, 5, 6 & 7. The foundations must start with an Ace. After that, they are filled in order from lowest to highest, 2 up to the King, all in the same suit as the initial Ace.
How Many Columns, Piles or Stacks Are Used in Solitaire?
Solitaire uses 7 columns or piles, called the tableau. These are dealt as part of the initial setup. Each pile contains the same number of cards as its position in line, with only the bottom card face up. So, column:
- 1 has 1 face up card
- 2 has 1 face down and 1 face up
- 3 has 2 face down and 1 face up
- 4 has 3 face down and 1 face up
- 5 has 4 face down and 1 face up
- 6 has 5 face down and 1 face up
- 7 has 6 face down and 1 face up
For a more detailed look at the foundations, columns and other starting positions, see How to Deal Solitaire.
How Many Rows Are in Solitaire?
If by rows you’re thinking of the columns or piles, there are 7. If we’re talking about a row going left to right, there are 2.
The top row has the stock (undealt cards), the waste pile, an empty space, and then the 4 foundations. The bottom row has the 7 columns.
How Many Cards Are Used?
The entire 52 card deck is used in Solitaire. To begin, 28 cards are dealt out to form the tableau. The rest of the deck is placed face down above the first column.
Here’s a picture of the 7 columns and 4 foundations, with the stock (undealt cards) and the waste pile on the upper left. Going from left to right, there are 2 rows:
