Your first foundation card shapes the whole deal.

Core nine-across tips

• Choose your first foundation card carefully: it sets the base rank.
• Plan around the empty-space fill rank (one below the base rank).
• Delay setting the base rank if tableau development is still unclear.
• Recycle waste with intent and track upcoming key ranks.
• Once base rank is set, prioritize moves that open legal fillers for empty columns.

Planning priority

Treat each move as a resource decision: protect mobility first, then push foundations when they do not close future options.

Common mistake

The most common mistake is forcing early foundation progress while tableau flexibility is still fragile.