How to Play Calculation Solitaire
Calculation (also called Broken Intervals) is the thinking player's solitaire: no digging, no luck of the layout, just the question of where each turned card should wait.
Layout
- An ace, two, three and four start the four foundations. Suits do not matter anywhere.
- The remaining 48 cards form the stock, face down.
- Four waste piles, empty at the start.
Foundations
The first foundation builds by ones, the second by twos, the third by threes, the fourth by fours, wrapping past the king: for example 4, 8, Q, 3, 7, J, 2, 6, 10, A, 5, 9, K. Each foundation takes thirteen cards and ends on a king.
Moves
- Turn the top card of the stock.
- Place it on a foundation that wants it, or on any waste pile. You must place it before turning the next card.
- The top card of a waste pile may move to a foundation whenever it fits.
- Waste cards never move between piles.
Winning
Complete all four foundations. When the stock is gone and no waste top fits, the deal is lost. The hint plays to a foundation when it can, otherwise picks the waste pile that buries the least.
Frequently asked questions
What order does each foundation take?
By ones: A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 J Q K. By twos: 2 4 6 8 10 Q A 3 5 7 9 J K. By threes: 3 6 9 Q 2 5 8 J A 4 7 10 K. By fours: 4 8 Q 3 7 J 2 6 10 A 5 9 K. Every foundation ends on a king.
Can I move a card from one waste pile to another?
No. Waste cards move only to a foundation, and only the top card of a pile. Where you put each turned card is the whole game.
Last updated 2026-10-21