On: Cramming Solitaire onto a Nintendo E-Reader card

[palsecam]

> A single E-Reader dotstrip can store 2,192 bytes of data, which is just over 2kb. But there is some overhead with the headers […] data on the dotstrip is compressed though

> In the end I didn't need to do too much space optimization to keep Solitaire down to two dotstrips

So, a full implementation of Solitaire in ~4KiB. Count me impressed!

I like to show off that my own (as a web app: https://FreeSolitaire.win) is "only" 21KiB, but that’s small fry in comparaison!

[redundantly → palsecam]

> You finished in 6 min 32s and 118 moves.

> 118 on your own + 0 hinted + 0 to auto-end.

> The computer could do it in 117 moves.

I've played a lot of solitaire over the past four decades, one of my favourite versions was on the HP 620LX. I'd like to think I'm just this amazing, but it feels like it was too easy.

What kind of shuffling does your program use? Do you start off with easier decks to entice new users to keep playing or was it just pure chance that I got such an easy shuffle?

In any regard, I like your implementation. Worked extremely well in Safari on iOS, that's an accomplishment on its own, it's rare that web based games work as well as yours did on mobile.

[palsecam → redundantly]

> What kind of shuffling does your program use?

The shuffling is random, but only winnable decks are generated (by default). The computer algorithm/solver is described here: https://FreeSolitaire.win/strategy

So it’s pure chance you got an easy shuffle.

> In any regard, I like your implementation.

Thanks, I’m glad you like it! If you have suggestions for improvement, I’m all ears (here or by e-mail) ;-)

[bongodongobob → redundantly]

It's easy because you're drawing one card at a time, not 3.

[redundantly → bongodongobob]

It was significantly easier than other 1-card draw implementations I've played. I wonder if the logic used to ensure the game is winnable causes a bias towards easier shuffles.

Still fun, though!

[w-ll → redundantly]

It did feel easy but i play quite a lot of solitaire.

I won Solitaire game #456491 in 3 min 39 s, 126 moves. Beat me if you can: https://FreeSolitaire.win/turn-one#456491

> The computer could do it in 129 moves.

seams i beat the computer

[codezero → bongodongobob]

There’s a setting to change that :)

[mormegil → redundantly]

Yeah, I don't think I'm an expert but... > You finished in 6 min 17 s and 122 moves. > When including undone moves: 123 in total; 103 on your own + 0 hinted + 20 to auto-end. > The computer could do it in 122 moves.

Unbelievable. But I agree, it's very well done!

[stavros → palsecam]

> "only" 21KiB, but that’s small fry in comparaison!

Or, rather, big fry.

[bluepizza → palsecam]

This is fantastic! You packed great playability, interesting insights, and made a fun game, more than just a small one.