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What is Suspension Solitaire?

Suspension Solitaire is a distinctive tableau-clearing game built around a layout that resembles a suspension bridge, with long “cables” on each side and three central pillars of cards. Although it uses the same one-higher-or-one-lower mechanics as Tripeaks, its structure is more intricate: only a handful of cards begin face-up, and the tableau contains 33 cards—more than most variants. This design creates a slower, more strategic opening, followed by rapid expansions as key cards in the middle are revealed.

How to Play Suspension Solitaire

Objective

The goal of Suspension Solitaire is to clear every card from the tableau by moving them onto the waste pile. A playable card must be exactly one rank higher or lower than the current waste card, and suits and colors do not matter.

Setup

Suspension Solitaire is played with a standard 52-card deck. Its tableau uses 33 cards, arranged in a shape inspired by a suspension bridge. Only 5 cards begin face-up: one on each end and three in the middle. The layout is divided into three sections:

Tableau: 33 cards arranged into three connected parts.
- Left side: 9 cards stacked in a descending column, with only the bottom card face-up.
- Right side: Another column of 9 cards, also with the final card face-up.
- Center: 3 identical clusters of 5 cards each—four laid out like a square, with a single card placed above them. Only the top card of each cluster begins face-up. Playing one of these central cards reveals four new cards at once.
This structure creates a tableau where side columns unlock slowly, while the middle opens quickly.
Stock (draw pile): Because the tableau uses 33 cards, the stock contains fewer cards than in most variants. When no tableau moves are available, you draw the next stock card onto the waste.
Waste: The top card of the waste pile controls which tableau cards you may play next. Each removed tableau card becomes the new waste card.

Rules

Rank-based matching: You may remove any tableau card that is exactly one rank above or below the current waste card.
First Move Flexibility: Because the waste pile starts empty, the first card you play from the tableau can be any exposed card. It does not need to be one rank higher or lower than anything. After the first card is placed, normal “one higher or one lower” rules apply.
Face-up & unblocked cards only: A card must be uncovered and face-up to be playable.
Single stock pass: You normally get only one trip through the stock. Once the stock runs out, there are no additional draws.
No tableau building: Tableau cards cannot be rearranged or moved—only removed.
Empty spaces remain empty: Removed cards do not get replaced. The structure stays exactly as it was dealt.

Strategies for Suspension Solitaire

Suspension Solitaire demands careful planning, especially early on. The combination of slow-to-uncover sides and explosive center reveals makes move priority essential. These strategies can help:

Prioritize the central clusters: Each of the three middle face-up cards unlocks four hidden cards. Clearing even one cluster early dramatically expands your options.
Use the Free First Move Wisely: Since the waste starts empty, your first card can be any of the five exposed cards. Choosing a central card usually opens far more possibilities than starting from the sides.
Use the stock only when needed: Because the stock is smaller in this variant, every unused draw is valuable. Explore all options before turning a new waste card.
Create long runs: Chaining cards up and down in rank—such as 7 → 6 → 7 → 8—helps you clear space quickly while preserving stock cards.
Slowly work the sides: The side columns reveal only one card at a time, so treat them as long-term goals rather than early priorities. Open them gradually as opportunities arise.
Pause after revealing new cards: When a central card is cleared and four new ones appear, stop and check whether any of them extend your sequence before drawing or making another play.
Plan ahead as the stock dwindles: Because the stock starts small, the final few draws are critical. Try to leave flexible ranks available for the endgame.
Use hints or undo: These tools help explore routes through both the tight side columns and the dense central clusters.

Why Play Suspension Solitaire?

Suspension Solitaire offers a refreshing twist on classic one-higher-one-lower games. Its bridge-inspired shape creates a mix of deliberate early moves and satisfying mid-game bursts as the central clusters open. It’s great for players who enjoy thoughtful pacing and layered reveals. You can play Suspension Solitaire and many other unique solitaire games for free at Solitaire Land.