Canfield Strategy: 5 Tips

Canfield is about the reserve. New? See the rules.

1. The reserve first

Play the reserve card whenever it can go anywhere sensible. Each one released reveals the next; thirteen releases and the game opens up.

2. Empty columns are reserve moves

Moving a whole column onto another empties it, and the reserve refills it immediately. Joining columns is therefore a way to dig through the reserve.

3. Don't bury the base

With a base of, say, 9, the 8s are the last cards you need. Avoid stacking long columns that end in an 8 of the wrong colour over cards you need soon.

4. Waste cards can wait

Once the reserve is empty, waste cards may fill columns. Before that, a waste card on a column only helps if it will receive something; otherwise draw on and keep the column free for the reserve.

5. Count the wrap

Foundations run king then ace; columns run ace then king. Keep the base rank in mind when judging which columns are "in order".

The hint prefers foundation plays (reserve first), then moving the reserve card down, then joining columns, then waste plays, and draws only when nothing else helps.

Last updated 2026-10-21