Black Hole Solitaire
Instructions:
Aim to shift all cards into the black hole by linking them in ascending or descending numerical order. Opt for easy mode to relocate cards onto free slots, or select hard mode for a demanding puzzle that demands careful foresight.Description
Black Hole solitaire offers a captivating twist on classic card games like Tri Peaks and Golf, blending strategy with quick decision-making in a single-player format. The setup begins with a standard 52-card deck, arranged in a distinctive layout: six concentric circles around a central "black hole," which starts empty and serves as the game's core discard spot. The outermost circle holds 18 cards, the next 12, then 8, 4, and 2, with the innermost pair flanking the hole. Only the top cards of each pile and those in the circle are face-up and playable. Your goal is to clear the entire tableau by moving cards to the black hole one at a time. Play commences with an ace placed there initially, setting the foundation. From then on, you can only discard a card that is exactly one rank higher or lower than the current black hole card—wrapping from king to ace if needed. For instance, after a 5, you might add a 4 or 6 next. Face cards follow suit: jack after 10 or queen, queen after jack or king, and so on. Success relies on careful sequencing, as you draw from a stock pile when no moves remain, revealing one card at a time. Empty spots in the layout don't refill, so precision matters to avoid getting stuck. A full win empties the board, but partial clears keep the momentum going across multiple rounds. What makes Black Hole enduringly engaging is its balance of luck and foresight; each game unfolds differently, demanding adaptability while rewarding patient planning. Perfect for short sessions or extended play, it sharpens focus without overwhelming complexity, appealing to both novices and seasoned players seeking a fresh challenge in the solitaire tradition.
