Accordion Solitaire - Play Online Free
Accordion Solitaire (also called Idle Year or Tower of Babel) is a single-row game where all 52 cards are laid out face-up. Merge a card onto the card 1 or 3 positions to its left if they share the same suit or same rank. The goal is to compress all cards into a single pile — like an accordion folding shut.
How to Play Accordion
Setup
Deal all 52 cards face-up in a single row from left to right.
Rules
- A card (or pile) can be moved onto the card 1 position to its left if they share the same suit or rank.
- A card (or pile) can also be moved onto the card 3 positions to its left if they share the same suit or rank.
- When a card is moved, gaps close up automatically.
- Win by compressing all cards into a single pile.
Strategy Tips
- Prefer 3-position moves over 1-position moves — they compress more efficiently.
- Look ahead to see if making a move creates new matching opportunities.
- Sometimes it is better to make a suit match than a rank match, or vice versa.
- The game is very difficult — winning requires both good luck and careful play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is Accordion Solitaire?
Accordion is one of the hardest solitaire games. The win rate for a complete compression to one pile is extremely low, estimated at less than 1%. Most games end with several piles remaining.
Why is it called Accordion?
The name comes from the visual effect of the card row "folding" or compressing as cards are merged, similar to an accordion being squeezed shut.
Is there strategy in Accordion?
Yes, choosing which moves to make and in which order matters significantly. Prioritizing 3-position moves and planning ahead can improve results, though luck plays a major role.