How to make the applet work!

Information updated 2023-05-29.

In modern browsers which do not support Java plugins, there are two ways in which to make Java applets run:

  1. Use a plugin that will run applets without Java being installed on the same machine.
  2. Install Java on the machine; then enable Internet Explorer (IE) mode in any browser through the use of a plugin, or directly in Edge (the browser from Microsoft).

The first option is the easiest to implement, and there is no reason not to try that first. But for the applet on this page, the second option has an advantage since the game window will then be a true Java window independent of the browser window. This means that the game window will have its own button on the task bar, and the game can be played also when the browser window is minimized. The details for each option are as follows:

  1. Visit CheerpJ Applet Runner for the plugin. Note that it can be used with any Chromium based browser.
  2. Visit Java Downloads for All Operating Systems to download Java. Please be aware that for Windows you will need the 32-bit version even if all your browsers are 64-bit. After installing Java goto Setting the security level within the Java Control Panel to learn how to configure it and enter https://www.poetsoftware.no/applets/ into the Exception Site List. For instructions about using Internet Explorer mode in Edge visit Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge. I have also found a couple of plugins for Chromium based browsers that allow to open pages in Internet Explorer mode. Visit IEability and IE Tab respectively for details.

The old below information is partly dated/deprecated.

If the Java applet does not work, check the following in the given order.

  1. Is Java enabled in the browser? See https://java.com/en/download/help/enable_browser.xml for help.
  2. Is Java enabled in the control panel? See https://java.com/en/download/help/enable_panel.xml for help.
  3. Is this site (http://www.poetsoftware.no/applets/) in the exception site list? See https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/exception_sitelist.xml for help.

Stjernen – a solitaire…

All bitmapped graphics used in the game,
Copyright © 1999 Paal Olstad. <p-olstad@online.no>
All rights reserved.

Contents:

Please note! This game requires that the resolution is set to 1024*768 or higher.

NOTE: If using a dial-up connection, you may disconnect after the cards have been loaded and still play as many deals as you like (see Interface below) as long as you don't close the web page for the game (this page) in your browser.
NOTE: If you close the applet window, the current game is not discarded. Just push the <Play> button again to return to the current position.

See also the solitaires Diplomaten, Spider and Nitten studenter.

Introduction

"Stjernen" is the Norwegian word for "the Star". The name, no doubt, is meant to reflect the special layout for this solitaire. Traditionally the foundations are placed at a 45 degrees angle and the four collections of ten cards each are squared up. The reason for not squaring up the cards is to increase the possibility of skilful play at the expense of pure luck.

Rules

CARDS: For this game two regular packs of 52 cards are shuffled together making a total of 104 cards.

LAYOUT: The four collections of ten cards form the "inner ring", and the single cards outside each of these form the "outer ring". The four foundations are placed in the corners of this layout.

PLAY FROM THE STOCK: First a row of six cards are dealt. When the player so chooses or the play comes to a stand still a new row of six cards are dealt to the same positions. This playing out of cards continues until the stock is exhausted. The cards in the six piles are then collected from left to right forming a new stock (this means that the top card of the rightmost pile will be at the bottom of the new stock). Now a row of five cards is dealt and play continues in the same manner until again the stock is exhausted. The procedure is repeated for rows of four cards, three cards, two cards and finally just one card.

LEGAL MOVES: Only one card can be moved at a time, and suit must always be followed.
Only an ace can be placed in the vacant position in the center of the layout thus starting the "central pile" which may be built up to the king.
A card of any rank can be placed in a vacant position in the "outer ring". And such a pile may also be built up to the king.
The foundations are started by kings and built down to the ace, then the other king of the same suit is placed on the Ace and building continues down to the second Ace.

From the "central pile" the free card can only be moved to any of the foundations.
From the "inner ring" the free cards can only be moved to the same position in the "outer ring".
From the "outer ring" and from the upturned piles the free cards can be moved to the "central pile", any position in the "outer ring" or to the foundations.

WINNING: When all cards have been moved to the foundations the game is won.

Interface

Simply "click" on a free card, and drag it to the wanted position. When the mouse button is released, the card will be transferred if a legal move has been made. By "clicking" on the stock (the cardback image) a new row of cards will be played out. To collect the cards to form a new stock "click" on the rectangle with the oval inside, then continue "clicking" the stock. To start a game/deal press the <SPACE> bar. If for any reason the playing area is not painted correctly, press "R" to repaint it.

A note on the code

The applet on this page requires a JDK 1.1 compatible browser. Both Netscape Communicator 4 (and above), and Internet Explorer 4 (and above) will work. If your browser doesn't directly support Java, you may download the Java Plugin.

^^BACK<<


Last updated 18-March-2006 by Paal Olstad <p-olstad@online.no>