Use the outer card revealed by an inner pair.
Eight inner cards and eight corresponding outer cards form the cross. While stock remains, pair the waste top with an equal-rank inner card. When that inner position empties, its matching outer card moves inward. The choice of inner pair decides which outer rank becomes available next.
Last updated: September 2026
Compare the outer cards
If two inner cards match the current waste top, either pair is legal. Check the outer card behind each one. The outer card that moves inward may match a future waste top, while the other may strand a needed rank until later. There is no automatic replacement for an empty outer position.
Suppose the waste top is a Seven and two inner Sevens are available. One hides a Queen in its outer position; the other hides a Three. Pairing the first Seven moves the Queen inward. If a Queen is near the top of stock or waste, that can create a follow-up pair; the other choice exposes a different rank. The next stock card is unknown unless already revealed.
Switch plans when stock and waste empty
Each deal puts one stock card on waste. After the stock empties, the current waste top may move into an empty inner position. Once both stock and waste are empty, equal-rank inner cards can pair with each other. The objective is to remove all 52 cards. Check the phase you are in before assuming that a pair of inner cards is already legal.