Four columns and one simple rule: a card goes when a higher card of its suit shows on another column. Use empty columns well and finish with the four Aces alone.
How to Play Aces Up
Aces Up is one of the simplest solitaire games to learn: four columns, one rule for throwing cards away, and a goal you can read in its name. It is quick to play, but winning takes luck and a little planning with empty columns.
The Objective
Throw out every card except the four Aces. You win when each of the four columns holds a single Ace and the stock is empty.
The Setup
One standard deck is shuffled. Four cards are dealt face up, one to each column. The other 48 cards form the stock at the top left. Aces are high in this game: they rank above Kings.
The Rules
- Throw out a card when it is the top card of a column and a higher card of the same suit is the top card of another column. With the 4 of hearts on one column and the Jack of hearts on another, the 4 can go.
- Fill an empty column with the top card of any other column. This is the only way to dig out a card that is buried.
- Deal from the stock when you are ready: one click or tap puts a new card on top of each of the four columns.
Only top cards can move. An Ace can never be thrown out, because nothing ranks above it.
Winning and Losing
When the stock is empty and no card can be thrown out or moved, the game is over. If only the four Aces are left, one in each column, you have won.
Aces Up Strategy Tips
- Throw out everything you can before dealing. Each deal covers all four columns. A card left on top when you deal may stay buried for a long time.
- Treasure empty columns. An empty column lets you lift any top card off a pile and uncover what is underneath. Don't fill it with a card you could throw out instead.
- Move Aces into empty columns. An Ace can never leave the table, so an Ace sitting on other cards blocks them for the rest of the game. Moving it to its own column frees them.
- Choose which card to uncover. When you have one empty column and several choices, move the card that covers the most useful card, such as a low card of a suit whose higher cards are showing.
- Think about the order of removal. If the 3 and the 7 of spades are both on top and the Queen of spades is showing, throw out the 3 first: the 7 may still be needed to beat a lower spade that turns up later.
- Expect to lose more than you win. Many deals can't be won. Restart lets you replay a deal and try a different order, and Undo has no limit.
Playing Aces Up on Solitaire Parlor
- Tap or click a top card to throw it out when it can go, or to move it into an empty column. You can also drag it.
- Tap the stock to deal four new cards.
- Undo has no limit, and Hint highlights a useful move.
- Restart replays the same deal, New Game deals a new numbered deal, and Daily Deal gives everyone the same deal each day.
- Stats shows games played and won, win rate, best time and your win streaks.
- Settings changes the table color and card backs, turns on four-color suits, moves the deck to the right side, switches sounds on or off, and can start a numbered deal.
Your game and stats save automatically in your own browser. There is no sign-up and nothing to download.
About Aces Up
Aces Up goes by several other names, including Idiot's Delight, Firing Squad and Aces High. It has been a favorite in the United States for a long time because it needs no space on the table: four short columns are enough. If you like quick games, try Golf Solitaire or TriPeaks next.
Aces Up FAQ
Is Aces Up free to play?
Yes. Play it in your web browser with a mouse or touchscreen. There is no sign-up and nothing to download.
Are Aces high or low?
High. An Ace beats every other card of its suit and can never be thrown out.
What can go into an empty column?
The top card of any other column. Use empty columns to uncover buried cards, above all buried Aces.
Can every game of Aces Up be won?
No. A good share of deals can't be won however you play. Careful use of empty columns wins more of the rest.