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:
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:
All bitmapped graphics used in the game, |
"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.
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.
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.
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.