Readme File: Christmas Cards Solitaire

Requirements

  Any recent NextZXOS release should work, control is via a mouse only - the
  game will write to your SD card to save high scores, if you're lucky enough
  to get one - and like the demo enough to play that long! <3

Introduction

  Welcome to Christmas Cards Solitaire, a Special 2024 Seasonal Treat designed
  to bring festive cheer to klondike lovers everywhere! This unique version
  of the classic card game is more than just holiday fun — it’s also a demo
  and sneak peek of the first unlocked game in DeckHead - so save space and
  get ready to unlock hints, tricks, cheats and a lot more than just an
  options screen...   Interested in hearing more? Well, that's great, and
  your future looks very bright - news will be launching in 2025.

Gameplay

  The objective of Christmas Cards Solitaire is to move all the cards into the
  four Foundation piles: Tree, Holly, Candycane, and Heart. Each Foundation
  pile must be built in ascending order, starting with the Ace and ending with
  the King, all within the same suit.

  Carefully plan your moves, manage the 'Tableau', 'Stock', and 'Waste' piles,
  and aim for the lowest score to master this festive challenge.

Setup

  The game begins with the following layout:

  Tableau:
    - Seven piles of cards.
    - Pile 1 contains 1 face-up card.
    - Pile 2 contains 1 face-up card and the rest face-down.
    - Piles 3-7 follow, each containing an increasing number of cards, with
      only the top card face-up.

  Stock:
    The remaining cards form the draw pile (Stock), which is used during
    gameplay.

  Waste:
    Cards from the Stock that cannot be played are moved to the Waste pile.

  Foundations:
    Four empty piles: Tree, Holly, Candycane, and Heart, waiting to be filled
    in sequence from Ace to King.

Gameplay

  Tableau Rules:
    - Cards in the Tableau can only be built in descending order (e.g., Queen
      on King, 10 on Jack).
    - Alternating suits must be followed: striped suits (Candycane, Heart)
      alternate with green suits (Tree, Holly).
    - Only a King can be moved into an empty Tableau space.

  Foundations Rules:
    - Cards moved to the Foundations must be of the same suit and in ascending
      order (Ace, 2, 3, ... King).
    - The goal is to complete all four suits: Tree, Holly, Candycane, and
      Heart.

  Stock and Waste Rules:
    - Flip one card at a time from the Stock.
    - If the card cannot be played, it moves to the Waste pile.
    - Waste cards may be played to the Tableau or Foundations when suitable.

Scoring

  Every time a card is turned over, 1 point is added to your score. Aim for a
  low score by minimising unnecessary moves and flips. Efficient play is the
  key to success.

Winning the Game

  The game is won when all cards are successfully moved to the Foundations,
  with each pile completed in order from Ace to King. Celebrate your victory
  by trying to beat your previous score!

About DeckHead

  Christmas Cards Solitaire isn’t just a standalone game; it’s a sneak peek
  demo of the mechanics and concepts behind DeckHead, a revolutionary new card
  game set to launch in 2025. DeckHead promises a bold reimagining of card
  games with innovative gameplay, immersive features, and endless strategic
  possibilities.

  Stay tuned for more information on DeckHead as we approach its release date
  in 2025. Until then, enjoy this festive preview and get ready for what’s to
  come!

Tips for Success

  - Prioritise uncovering face-down cards in the Tableau to increase playable
    options.
  - Keep Tableau spaces available for Kings to improve flexibility.
  - Avoid unnecessary flips from the Stock to keep your score low.
  - Plan ahead to ensure each move supports future actions.

  Merry Christmas! Enjoy Christmas Cards Solitaire and get ready to learn
  about DeckHead in 2025, and try to make your Easter Eggs last until our
  next demo... :-o
