Move Point System

Step 1Assign points to the move

Use the highest single value that describes the main result of the move. Do not add two values from this table for the same move — the adjustments in the following steps account for the extra benefits.

Step 2Adjust for the card uncovered

Only adjust for the card that becomes available as a direct result of the move.

Step 3Adjust for the waste and stock

Since there is no redeal in Josephine Solitaire, protecting playable waste cards is extremely important.

Step 4Adjust for empty piles and sequences

Step 5Choose your action from the total

When two moves have the same score, choose the move that keeps an empty tableau pile available, or the one that uncovers the lower-ranked card.

Example 1Moving an Ace and emptying a tableau pile

Example

You can move the Ace of clubs from Pile A to an empty foundation. Moving an available Ace to a foundation is worth 8 points. The move creates an empty tableau pile, which adds 2 points. You have 10 points, so make this move first.

After the move the club foundation holds A♣, Pile A is empty and Pile B is unchanged.

Example 2Avoiding a King in the final empty pile

Example

The King of spades can be moved into the empty tableau pile. Moving a card into an empty pile is worth 2 points. The move fills your final empty pile, so subtract 2. There are no lower spades ready to play onto the King, so subtract 1 more because the King has no planned next move.

You have −1 point, so avoid the move. Leave the pile empty until it can uncover an important card, save a waste card or rearrange a same-suit sequence.

Example 3Saving a waste card

Example

You can move the 7 of clubs from the waste pile onto the 8 of clubs. Moving a waste card to the tableau is worth 6 points, and playing the current waste card adds 2. You have 8 points, so make this move first.

If you turn over another stock card instead, the 7 of clubs is covered. It only returns to play once every card above it has been legally removed, which with a single stock pass you cannot rely on.

Example 4Joining two sequences and creating an empty pile

Example

You can move the J-10-9 sequence of diamonds onto the Queen of diamonds. Joining two same-suit sequences is worth 4 points, the completed four-card sequence adds 1, and Pile B becoming empty adds 2. You have 7 points, so this is a strong move.

Example 5Keeping a support card in the tableau

Example

Move one — move the 6 of hearts to the foundation. A card from 4 through 10 is worth 3 points, but the 6 is still needed as a support for the 7 of hearts, so subtract 2. That leaves 1 point: avoid this move for now.

Move two — move the 6 of hearts onto the 7 of hearts. Joining cards in the same suit is worth 4 points. The move uncovers the 3 of clubs, which can immediately reach the club foundation, so add 2. Once the 3 of clubs is played, Pile B is empty, so add 2 more. That is 8 points, so play move two first.

Example 6Uncovering an Ace with a sequence move

Example

You can move the 10-9-8 sequence of clubs onto the Jack of clubs. Moving a same-suit sequence that uncovers another card is worth 5 points, and uncovering an Ace that can reach a foundation adds 2. After the Ace moves, Pile A is empty, adding another 2. That is 9 points.

1. Move 10♣-9♣-8♣ onto J♣.
2. Move A♠ to an empty spade foundation.
3. Keep Pile A empty for future rearrangements.

Example 7Turning the stock too early

Example

Turning the stock is worth 0 points. A useful foundation move remains, so subtract 2. Turning the stock would also cover a waste card that becomes playable once the 4 of diamonds moves, so subtract 3 more. You have −5 points: do not turn the stock.

1. Move the 4 of diamonds to the foundation.
2. Move the 5 of diamonds from the waste to the foundation.
3. Only then turn over the next stock card.

Example 8Filling an empty pile to uncover a 2

Example

Move the 9-8-7 sequence of hearts onto the 10 of hearts. The sequence move that uncovers another card is worth 5 points, and the 2 of spades reaching its foundation adds 2. Once it is played, Pile B is empty, adding 2 more. That is 9 points.

You finish with two empty tableau piles.

Example 9Comparing duplicate cards

Example

Two identical 8-7 sequences of clubs can be moved onto the 9 of clubs. Moving the one from Pile A is worth 5 points because it uncovers another card; the Ace of diamonds reaching a foundation adds 2, and the resulting empty pile adds 2 more. That is 9 points.

Moving the sequence from Pile B is also worth 5 points, but it uncovers the King of diamonds, which has no immediate move, so nothing is added and no pile is emptied. Move the sequence from Pile A.

Example 10Breaking a long sequence without a benefit

Example

Moving a sequence into an empty pile is worth 2 points. The move fills your final empty pile, so subtract 2, and it separates a useful same-suit sequence, so subtract 2 more. You have −2 points: avoid the move.

Keep the complete K-Q-J-10-9 sequence together until separating it uncovers an important card or creates a clear path to the foundations.

Example 11Creating a destination for the waste card

Example

The 6 of hearts cannot be played while the 7 of hearts is covered by the 4 of clubs. Move the 4 of clubs to its foundation: a card from 4 through 10 is worth 3 points, and creating a destination for the current waste card adds 1.

Four points is only a conditional score on its own, but the planned run of moves makes it correct.

1. Move 4♣ to the club foundation.
2. Move 7♥ onto 8♥.
3. Move 6♥ from the waste onto 7♥.

Example 12Choosing between two foundation moves

Example

Moving the 3 of hearts is worth 7 points, and it lets the 4 of hearts follow it to the foundation, which is another immediate legal move, so add 1. That is 8 points.

Moving the 6 of diamonds is worth 3 points. It uncovers the 5 of clubs, which has no immediate move, so nothing is added. Move the 3 of hearts first.