Addiction Solitaire Rules Explained — Full Guide + Your Game Versions

Addiction Solitaire rules and modes

Addiction Solitaire is a classic single-player card game that blends strategy, planning, and careful decision-making. In this game, there are no automatic sequences or simple moves: each card placement matters, and every empty space (gap) is a tactical opportunity.

What Is Addiction Solitaire?

Addiction Solitaire (also known as “Gaps Solitaire”) is played with a standard 52-card deck. Your goal is to organize cards by suit and rank using gaps to reorder sequences correctly.

This article explains the rules step-by-step, then introduces two unique versions available on your site: a flexible Easy mode and the stricter Hard mode, plus a Mini version with limited ranks.

Basic Rules of the Game

1. Setup

  • Use a standard 52-card deck (no jokers).
  • Deal 4 rows of 13 cards face-up.
  • Remove the 4 Aces. This leaves 4 empty spaces (gaps) at the start of the game.

2. Objective

The goal is to rearrange the cards into four rows, each one ordered by suit and ascending in rank — typically from 2 up to King — ending with the empty gap at the rightmost position of each row.

3. Allowed Moves

  • You can move a card into an empty gap only if it continues the sequence correctly.
  • In classic rules:
    • A gap may be filled by a card of the same suit that is one rank higher than the card immediately to the left of the gap.
    • A gap at the start of a row can only be filled with a 2.
    • You cannot place a card in a gap that breaks the sequence rules.

4. Reshuffle

If no valid moves remain, you can reshuffle the cards not yet in their final correct sequence and deal them again. Most games allow a limited number of reshuffles per round.

5. Winning and Losing

  • Win when all rows are correctly ordered by suit from lowest to highest.
  • Lose if you run out of moves and have no reshuffles left.

Why Addiction Solitaire Is Addictive

This version of solitaire forces players to think ahead and make strategic use of gaps. Each move changes the board — and every gap creates both opportunity and risk. It is the constant calculation of future moves that gives the game its name: Addiction.

Your Unique Game Versions

On your site you offer two special takes on Addiction Solitaire, each with their own twist: Easy mode and Hard mode. You also offer a Mini version for quick, compact play.

Addiction Solitaire — Easy Mode

In the Easy Mode version:

  • You may place a card in a gap by considering both the card to the left and the card to the right of the empty space.
  • This added flexibility makes the game more approachable and forgiving.
  • It is perfect for beginners or casual players who want a more relaxed experience.

This mode encourages exploration and practice of strategy without the strict requirements of classic rules.

Play Addiction Mini Endless to try it with maximum flexibility.

Addiction Solitaire — Hard Mode

The Hard Mode version follows the traditional rules of addiction solitaire:

  • You may place a card in an empty gap only if its rank is exactly one higher than the card on the left and it shares the same suit.
  • Cards cannot be placed simply based on flexibility; strict rank progression must be respected.

This is the true challenge for players seeking the classic Addiction Solitaire experience — perfect for advanced strategists.

Play Addiction Solitaire (full version) for the classic mode with all the rules.

Addiction Solitaire Mini — Quick Play Version

In addition to full decks and classic modes, you also offer a Mini version:

  • Cards are limited to ranks up to 6.
  • Smaller board and shorter playtime.
  • Still uses strategic gap sequencing, but in a compact format.

This version is great for short sessions, fast challenges, or players learning the basics before tackling the full game.

Try Addiction Mini Endless for quick runs with fewer ranks.

Conclusion

Addiction Solitaire is a deceptively deep card game that rewards planning and thoughtful sequencing. Whether your players are:

  • New to the genre and enjoying the Easy mode,
  • Looking for a challenge with the Hard mode,
  • Or just want a quick game with the Mini version,

you have created a suite of Addiction Solitaire experiences that fit every level.

Play now and master the gaps — every decision counts!