Bert Hager (Bert_x)
Junior Solitaire Player
Username: Bert_x
Post Number: 8
Registered: 4-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 9:15 pm: | |
Black Hole is a game that seems almost impossible to win for beginners. But it actually can be won over 90% of the time, usually with much effort and very difficult planning.
But that isn't necessary to win about 30% of Black Hole deals. My simple steps, below, can solve some layouts with no advanced planning!!
I also will just briefly touch on some more advanced strategies, at the end, that I've learned after solving 760 games now.
Black Hole deals can sometimes be solved simply by always making the best choice between 2 or more possible cards to play.
Step 1) If the same card is available to be played from two or more stacks -- never play from the stack that has only one card in it. Playing from the mult-card stack will uncover a new card, playing the single card would not help for future plays.
Step 2) If the same card is available to be played from two or more multi-card stacks -- look at the #2 card that would be uncovered in each stack and count the number of times that #2 card is already showing at the top of stacks. Play from the stack that has the lower number count.
Step 3) If the same number count was found for the cards that would be uncovered in step 2, then look at the #3 cards below (if there are any). Count the number of times that #3 card is already showing at the top of stacks. Play from the stack that has the lower number count. If a stack has just two cards, then the #3 card count is obviously zero.
Step 4) If the #3 card count was zero in all those stacks, at step 3, then play from the stack that has more cards in it.
Step 5) If the counts were found the same in steps 2 and 3, and the stacks are the same height, then compare the top card and next card in each of those stacks. Play from the stack that has a #2 card which would be needed sooner in future play in the current sequence direction.
Sometimes, step 5 may need to be considered before step 4, if the #2 card is needed urgently to continue the playing sequence.
Assuming that following steps 1 through 5 allowed you to play from the stacks until about 16 cards remain, stop at that time and look at the remaining multi-card stacks. If they are all pointing in the same direction that the sequence is going, then just continue playing to the end. You will win about 20% of games just this easlily!
But, if they all point in the opposite direction, then a reverse on the last Ace will allow you to finish in the opposite direction for a win. Occasionally, a reverse on a King (when going up) or a reverse on a 2 (when going down) will allow a finish, too. Those special case reverses do not have to be balanced with another.
Other times, there may be no way to end on, for example, a King when going up because either Kings or Queens are missing from the bottom of all stacks. Then a simple “knot” will remove them earlier, play ->Q-K-Q-K-> and the final sequence can end on a Jack instead.
Most solutions to Black Hole deals require some reversals. If you were forced to change the direction of your playing sequence at some time earlier, then reverse direction again on that same card when the 4th one is played. This will often be the correct time to fix that problem. Remember, most reverses must be corrected by another reverse on that same card!
I have never seen some of these playing tips for Black Hole mentioned anywhere before. I hope it enables players to solve more Black Hole games. Let me know if it helped you!
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