How to play Canfield
A tough classic. The first card sets the base rank of the four foundations, which build up wrapping around (Ace follows King). A 13-card reserve feeds the game.
History & origin of Canfield
Canfield is named after Richard A. Canfield, who ran a casino in Saratoga Springs (USA) in the late 19th century. The story goes that he sold a deck for $50 and paid $5 for every card a player managed to get to the foundations — a house gambling game, with the edge kept by the casino, since almost nobody cleared the table.
That betting origin is exactly why Canfield is famous for being hard: the win rate is low and every deal is a small challenge. The first card sets the base of the foundations, which build up wrapping around (Ace follows King).
It is one of the classics that helped popularize patience games in the United States and influenced many modern reserve-based solitaires.
Facts about Canfield
- The name comes from casino owner Richard Canfield — the original version was literally a bet against the house.
- The first card sets the base rank of the four foundations; they all build up from it, wrapping around (Ace follows King).
- A 13-card reserve feeds the game, and empty columns are auto-filled from it.
- It is famous for being tough: winning is rare, which made it a great deal for the casino.
How to play Canfield step by step
- Goal: move every card to the four foundations, which start at the rank of the first card and build up by suit, wrapping around (Ace follows King).
- In the tableau, build descending sequences in alternating colors — also wrapping (a King may go on an Ace).
- The top of the reserve (13 cards) and of the waste are always available to play.
- Empty columns are filled automatically from the reserve.
- Deal three cards at a time to the waste; passes through the stock are unlimited.
- Prioritize emptying the reserve and opening the foundations — it is a hard game, so every card counts.