Large Families
# Layout
The Large Families patience is played with a layout of four horizontal rows of four cards each. Next to it, some space is left for the four namesake large families.
# Objective
What’s special about this patience is that you first build ascending A sequence of cards where each card is one rank higher than the previous, starting with the Ace and ending with the King. For example: Ace, 2, 3, 4, …, Queen, King. A sequence of cards where each card is one rank lower than the previous, typically starting with the King and ending with the Ace: King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, …, 2, Ace. A same-suit order or sequence consists of a single suit, either , , or .
# Gameplay
First, the layout is checked for Aces and followers A card that is placed onto another according to the game’s rules, usually in ascending or descending order. The talon is the name given to the face-down stack of cards at the start of the game, from which, after being laid out, there are still cards left over that are used for the rest of the game. This packing of cards is also known as a block or draw pile.
As long as you’re building up to the King on the foundations Cards placed at the start that serve as the basis for building sequences, such as initial Aces or Kings, depending on the rules.
Important: Free spaces may not be used to rearrange card sequences. Sequences may only be rebuilt one card at a time. Therefore, you must always think carefully about which cards you’re covering and which you might not be able to reach anymore.
If nothing more is possible, the stock comes into play. Cards are placed one by one on a discard pile and checked whether they can be used in the layout or as followers. The discard pile must then be resolved from the top, as the stock may only be gone through once. During the game, however, it is allowed to fill free spaces with cards from the discard pile and not just with cards from the stock.
# Summary
- lay out 4 horizontal rows with 4 cards each
- leave space for four foundation piles (large families)
- Objective: build in the same suit from Ace to King and then back down to Ace
- cards may be moved individually in the same suit ascending or descending
- card sequences may not be moved as a whole
- free spaces are immediately filled with cards from the stock
Talonstock or discard pileThe talon is the name given to the face-down stack of cards at the start of the game, from which, after being laid out, there are still cards left over that are used for the rest of the game. This packing of cards is also known as a block or draw pile.
- if no move is possible, cards are placed one by one from the stock onto a discard pile
- the discard pile may only be resolved from the top
- the stock may only be gone through once