Play Aces Up Solitaire Online - Simple Rules, Strategic Depth
Aces Up Solitaire (also known as Idiot's Delight, Firing Squad, or Aces High) is a quick-playing card game where you remove cards that are lower than others of the same suit. Despite its simple rules, winning requires careful planning and strategic thinking!
How to Play Aces Up Solitaire
Objective: Remove all cards except the four Aces.
Game Setup
- Four Columns: Deal one card face-up to each of four columns
- Stock: Remaining 48 cards in the deck (twelve deals of four - no redeals)
- Discard Pile: Removed cards go here
Basic Rules
- Removal: Remove a column's top card if another column's top card is the same suit and a higher rank
- Aces: Aces are high (they beat every card of their suit and can never be removed)
- Moving: Move any top card to fill an empty column
- Dealing: Click the stock to deal one card to each column (four at a time)
- Winning: You win when only the four Aces remain; the game is lost when the stock is empty and no removal or useful move exists
Winning Strategy for Aces Up
1. Prioritize Empty Columns
Empty columns are your most valuable resource - they let you reorganize cards and create removal opportunities:
- Don't rush to fill empty columns
- Wait for the right card that enables multiple removals
- Use empty columns to expose buried cards
2. Card Priority System
When multiple removals are possible, remove cards strategically:
- Remove cards that block other removals first
- Keep higher cards when possible
- Consider which cards will be revealed
3. Timing Your Deals
Don't deal new cards too quickly:
- Exhaust all removal possibilities first
- Use empty columns strategically before dealing
- Each deal reduces your options
4. Suit Awareness
Track which suits have Aces or high cards exposed:
- Suits with exposed Aces can clean up lower cards
- Suits with only low cards are dangerous
- Remember what's been removed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called "Idiot's Delight"?
Despite the name suggesting simplicity, the game is quite challenging! The name likely refers to its simple rules rather than ease of winning. Many experienced players find it frustratingly difficult to win.
What's a good win rate for Aces Up?
Winning even 10-15% of games makes you a strong player. Most deals are unwinnable due to card order, but skilled play significantly improves your odds compared to random moves.
Can I move cards between columns?
Only to fill empty columns! You cannot build sequences or move cards onto other cards - you can only remove cards or move them to empty spaces.
Are there variations of Aces Up?
Yes! Some versions allow: (1) Building down by suit in columns, (2) Different removal rules, or (3) Redeal options. Our version uses standard rules for the most authentic experience.
Challenge yourself with Aces Up - play now!