Addiction 7 Solitaire

A Strategic Twist on the Classic Gap Game

I've always been fascinated by Addiction Solitaire's unique gap-filling mechanics, but sometimes the full 52-card version felt overwhelming and took too long to complete. That's what inspired me to create Addiction 7 – a streamlined version using only cards Ace through Seven that you can finish in under 10 minutes. What started as a simple experiment became an addictive puzzle that delivers all the strategic satisfaction of the original in a much quicker format. With just 28 cards arranged in a compact 4x7 grid, every single move carries weight, making for faster yet equally challenging gameplay. Now I've created this version to share what's become my favorite solitaire variant – bringing that same satisfying challenge to wherever you want to play. It's completely free at CardAndPuzzle.com, with no downloads or signups needed. Whether you're new to gap solitaire (sometimes called Montana Solitaire) or a seasoned Addiction player looking for quicker games, this condensed version delivers the perfect bite-sized strategic challenge.

How to Play

Addiction 7 Solitaire challenges you to arrange all cards in perfect ascending order by suit. Here's how the gap-filling mechanics work:

• Gap Placement: Place cards in empty gaps where they are exactly one rank higher and the same suit as the card to the left.
• Starting Positions: Twos can be placed in any leftmost position (beginning of any row).
• Building Sequences: Once a Two is placed, continue the sequence with Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven of the same suit.
• Using Shuffles: When stuck, use one of your two shuffles to reorganize all cards that aren't in their correct positions.
• Winning the Game: Complete all four rows with perfect ascending sequences (2-3-4-5-6-7) by suit, with gaps in the rightmost positions.

New to Addiction 7 or looking to improve? Read the complete Addiction 7 Solitaire Guide →

The Setup

Addiction 7 Solitaire uses a reduced deck with only cards Ace through Seven from all four suits. Here's how the game is set up:

• The Grid: All 28 cards are dealt face-up into a 4x7 grid (four rows, seven columns).
• Removed Aces: All four Aces are automatically removed from the grid, creating the initial gaps.
• Starting Gaps: The four empty spaces left by the Aces become your first strategic opportunities.
• Shuffle Counter: You begin with two shuffles available for reorganizing stuck positions.

The Challenge

What makes Addiction 7 uniquely challenging compared to other solitaire variants:

• Compact Puzzle: With only 28 cards, every move matters and bad decisions are costly.
• Limited Shuffles: Two shuffles force you to think carefully about when to reorganize.
• Perfect Order Required: Unlike other games, you must achieve exact sequences with no flexibility.
• Gap Strategy: Success depends on managing gaps efficiently and planning multiple moves ahead.

The Scoring

Addiction 7 rewards precise play and efficient completion. Here's how points are awarded:

Move Points

• Placing a card in its correct final position: +10 points
• Moving any card to a valid gap: +2 points
• Undoing a move: -5 points

Time Bonus

• 500,000 divided by your completion time in seconds
• Example: Finish in 5 minutes (300 seconds) = 1,666 bonus points
• No time bonus for games completed in under 30 seconds

Strategy Guide

• Plan Before Moving: Always consider how your move affects other possible sequences before placing a card.
• Prioritize Correct Positions: Focus on moves that place cards in their final correct positions for maximum points.
• Manage Gaps Wisely: Create and maintain gaps in strategic positions to enable future moves.
• Save Shuffles: Use shuffles strategically when truly stuck, not just for convenience.
• Build Complete Rows: Try to complete entire rows when possible to lock in sequences and create more gaps.
• Think in Suit Groups: Plan moves that help multiple cards of the same suit, not just individual cards.

Why Play Addiction 7?

• Pure Strategy: No luck involved – success depends entirely on your planning and execution.
• Quick Sessions: Perfect for short breaks with games typically lasting 5-10 minutes.
• Mental Exercise: Develops logical thinking, pattern recognition, and strategic planning skills.
• High Replay Value: Every deal offers a unique puzzle with multiple solution paths.
• Satisfying Completion: The feeling of achieving perfect order is incredibly rewarding.

Master the Art of Gap Strategy

Addiction 7 isn't just about moving cards – it's about mastering the delicate balance of creating opportunities while maintaining order. Every gap represents potential, and every card placement should serve your larger strategy. The reduced deck size means there are no wasted moves or second chances. Can you achieve perfect order with just two shuffles? Start your first game and discover the addictive challenge that awaits!