Solitaire
Russian Bank at a glance
Russian Bank is a turn-based contest sometimes described as double solitaire with interaction. Players share eight houses and foundations, and may place cards onto an opponent’s reserve or waste.
Compulsory moves give the game its bite: a foundation play may take priority over the move you planned. Our table blocks priority mistakes and keeps the focus on strategy.
- Players
- 2 · Head to head
- Layout
- Reserve, stock, waste
- Play
- Take turns
- Goal
- Clear all three piles
How to play Russian Bank online
Play free in your browser, with no download or account required. Choose the kind of table you want to join.
Practice with computers
Choose this game in the multiplayer lobby, set a computer pace, and select Play the computer. Use Show a move when you need help finding a move.
Invite your friends
Create a private table from the multiplayer lobby and share its invite link or room code with your opponent.
Find an online opponent
Choose Find an online opponent to look for other people. If no matching players are available, you can practice with computers instead.
Computer games also need an internet connection. The table handles dealing, legal moves, and scoring. These rules describe the version played here; other tables may use different house rules.
Rules of Russian Bank
Starting piles
Each player begins with a reserve, stock and waste; eight shared houses form the tableau.
Shared houses
Build houses downward in alternating colors, moving one card at a time.
Foundations
Build shared foundations upward by suit from Ace to King.
Loading your opponent
You may load an opponent’s nonempty reserve or waste with a same-suit card one rank higher or lower.
Scoring and winning
Priorities and winning
Follow compulsory priorities, draw one exposed hand card, and discard it to end the turn. Empty your reserve, stock and waste to win.
How to get better at Russian Bank
Tip 1
Check compulsory foundation moves before planning a house move.
Tip 2
Use opponent loading to remove awkward cards while making their top card less convenient.
Tip 3
Treat empty houses carefully because the reserve has priority when filling them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Russian Bank the same as Crapette?
Crapette is the French name for the same two-player patience family. Our two tables use the same core rules.
What is a compulsory move?
Certain foundation and reserve moves must be taken before other legal-looking choices. The game prevents a lower-priority move when a required one exists.
Can I play onto my opponent’s cards?
Yes. A same-suit card one rank above or below may be loaded onto a nonempty opposing reserve or waste.
How do you win Russian Bank?
Be the first player to clear your reserve, stock and waste.
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