Tantalus
Tantalus
Tantalus
Monday, February 16, 2009
This master solitaire is designed to make you feel the punishment that Tantalus received after misbehaving (greek mythology). Despite its name it is rather easy to solve.
In Greek mythology Tantalos (Latin: Tantalus) was a son of Zeus and the nymph Plouto. Thus he was a king in the primordial world. Tantalus is known for having been welcomed to Zeus' table in Olympus. There he misbehaved, stole ambrosia and nectar, brought it back to his people, and revealed the secrets of the gods. Tantalus' punishment was to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches. Whenever he reached for the fruit, the branches raised his intended meal from his grasp. Whenever he bent down to get a drink, the water receded before he could get any (Source: Wikipedia).
Rules: Build series in suit up or down on the cascades and drop in suit in ascending or descending order on the foundations. BUT that is where Tanlalus' punishment comes in: The 8 columns below the foundations are only able to drop to the foundation straight above. Only the side and center columns can drop cards freely to the foundations. In the screenshot above you see that the Q of Diamonds, 2 of Hearts and the J of Spades are tantalized. By moving the Q of Spades to its King you open an unrestricted cascade to transfer all cards to their foundation.
If no more moves are possible, then tapping the stock deals a whole row of cards.
Hint: Keep a side/center column free to drop a tantalized card first there and afterwards to the foundations.
I have prepared an article about Tantalus in the english Wikipedia for people who like to play with real playing cards.
Good Luck!