American Toad strategy
American Toad uses two decks, eight single-card tableau columns, a twenty-card reserve, and eight foundations. The first foundation card in each suit sets the base rank for that suit's pair of foundations; the four suits need not share a rank. Tableau cards build down in the same suit with Ace-to-King wraparound. Only single cards move.
Last updated: September 2026
Choose each suit's base with both copies in mind
Once a foundation of a suit starts, its paired foundation must start at the same rank. Check the exposed cards of that suit and the reserve top before choosing. A card one rank above the base can advance an already started foundation, while a second card of the base rank can start its sibling.
A vacancy reveals the reserve
Emptying a tableau column immediately fills it from the reserve while cards remain. After the reserve empties, a waste card can fill the vacancy. You cannot move another tableau card directly to an empty column. Clearing a column is useful when it reveals a reserve card, but it can also consume the current waste top.
A short position
Constructed position: a Clubs column ends in Two and Ace of Clubs is exposed elsewhere. Ace can be placed on Two because the tableau wraps within the same suit. Ace of Spades cannot take that place. If the move empties a column, the reserve top fills it automatically.
Manage stock passes
The stock draws one card at a time and the waste can be recycled twice. Before drawing over a useful waste top, compare its foundation and tableau destinations. The Canfield guide covers the broader reserve and base-rank idea; American Toad's suit-specific bases and automatic refills require separate choices.