About this classic card game

Kings in the Corner, or sometimes called Kings Corner, requires a standard deck of cards and 2 to 4 players. Each player tries to use their hand before their opponent has the chance. This game is a great introduction to the basic play of Solitaire as it follows a similar set of rules.

What do you need to play?

A standard deck of cards (no Jokers)
2 to 4 players

How do you play Kings in the Corner: game rules

Deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards in the middle of the table as a stockpile. Then turn the four top cards over, placing one on each of the four sides of the deck — to the north, south, east, and west. These will be the foundation piles. The cards on the table should make the shape of a cross.

The player to the left of the dealer begins by drawing one card from the center stockpile. He may make as many valid plays as are possible during his turn to get rid of as many cards as possible from his hand. Once there are no more valid moves, it’s the next player’s turn.

Each player begins his turn by drawing a card from the center stockpile and making as many valid moves as he can.

Valid moves:
  • Play a card (or sequence of cards) on a foundation pile in the cross. To play cards on a foundation pile, the card played must be immediately below the foundation card in rank and of the opposite color (red or black). For example, if a 9♥ is on the foundation pile, then the next card face played must be 8♣ or 8♠. A sequence of cards may also be played, but all the cards in the sequence must obey the lower rank and opposite color rules. Aces are always the lowest cards.
  • Play a “King in the corner, ” literally. Kings are the only cards that can be played in the corner spaces created by the cross. Once a King is played, players may then lay off cards on that pile like any other foundation pile.
  • Move an entire foundation pile onto another pile, if the bottom card of that recipient pile and the top card of the moving pile creates a valid sequence. This is often possible when the cards are first dealt.
  • Play any card or sequence of cards on a vacated foundation pile.

How do you win or, at least, not lose?

The first player to lay off all his cards wins. If you wish to keep score over many games, there are many variations on how to do this, including scoring by how many cards you have left, by the value of the cards you have left, or by counting each card as one point except the Kings, which are ten points.

Play Kings in the Corner with your grandchildren, they’ll thank you.

This game is a great way to introduce children to the basic play of solitaire games. Your grandchildren are likely to realize this can be a fun way to entertain themselves when there is no one else around, never a bad skill to have in life.

Fun facts about Kings Corners

The game was originally created on the SS Suevic in the 1910s by the Grey Family.


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Euchre, War, Egyptian Ratscrew, Whist, All
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Indoor Games | Pen and Paper Games | Outdoor Games