canfield

canfield [-b] [-n] [-r] [-t number]

-b
    Print brief instructions instead of playing.

-n
    Suppress all scorekeeping and statistics.

-r
    Replay the last compressed game from ~/.canfield.

-t number
    Turn over number cards at a time from the stock (default 3, max 52).

Canfield is a text-mode implementation of the popular solitaire card game, originating from the BSD games collection. In this variant, the tableau begins with 13 cards face-up in the first column, decreasing to one card each in the subsequent columns. The remaining deck forms the stock, from which cards are dealt three at a time (default) to the waste pile.

Foundations build upward in suit from Ace to King. Legal moves include shifting cards between tableau columns (alternating colors, descending rank), moving to foundations, or turning stock cards. The game uses a curses-based interface for keyboard navigation, with commands like h j k l or arrow keys for movement, d to deal, q to quit, and r to redeal. Scores are calculated based on cards placed in foundations, stock passes, and moves, saved to ~/.canfield for high-score tracking. Ideal for quick play in terminals.

Requires a terminal with cursor addressing (e.g., xterm). Scores not saved if -n used or HOME unset. No mouse support; keyboard-only.

?/h: Help
q: Quit
d: Deal 3 cards
r: Redraw screen
hjkl/Arrows: Move cursor
Space: Move card to foundation
Return: Auto-move eligible cards.

100 points per card to foundation; 20 per tableau move; 5 per stock cycle; bonuses for passes and stock usage. Perfect game: 3125 points.

Developed in the 1970s as part of the original Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) games package for Unix. Named after casino owner Richard Canfield; first digitized version around 4.1BSD (1981). Ported to Linux via bsdgames or nethack packages.

klondike(6), solitaire(6), cfscores(6)