Plan the line that your next removal leaves behind.

Preview the next position

When two endpoints match, imagine removing their interior cards and closing the gap. Then examine the surviving cards on both sides. A removal that creates a follow-up match may be more helpful than one that simply removes two cards immediately.

For example, consider Queen of Hearts, 3 of Clubs, 8 of Spades, 3 of Diamonds, 6 of Hearts. Matching the Threes removes the Eight. The Queen and Six then enclose two cards, giving you a second removal.

Keep useful endpoints available

A card inside a removable gap may also be an endpoint for another move. Compare those choices before discarding it. Hearts deserve particular attention because they can match the Queen at the start and the King when he arrives.

This is a planning aid, not an absolute rule: a heart that has no useful match can still be worth discarding. Check the actual spacing and the alternatives.

Drawing is a choice

You may deal while a removal is available. A new card at the right end can offer another endpoint and change which removal you prefer. It does not change the spacing of the cards already in the line.

The King is the final stock card. Once he arrives, all remaining decisions are visible. Work backward from possible matches near him and near the Queen, looking for a way to join the two ends.

Common mistakes

• Counting endpoints as discards: only the one or two cards inside the gap disappear.
• Matching by color: red and black do not determine a legal move; rank or suit must match.
• Taking the first match without checking whether it removes an endpoint needed elsewhere.
• Assuming a hint guarantees a win: hints identify legal moves, so compare the resulting positions yourself.

Learn from a repeatable deal

Undo lets you compare two removal orders. Restart keeps the same seed, so you can try a different plan from the beginning. Pay attention to the first choice where your new attempt leaves a more useful line.