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Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4192
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 4:28 am:   

Awaiting your next brain-basher Kathy.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4193
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 7:00 am:   

I managed to re-win it for you.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_34_Excruciating.pgs (2.3 k)


Yes it is peculiar that three of us are having PC problems at the same time. I can't get my photos uploaded from my cameras. Two cameras, two USB cables, two identical problems. It all worked a week ago. I've downloaded new software from Fuji and that's not worked either. I'm awaiting their response. If this is another problem created by Norton 360 it will be getting uninstalled pdq.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 329
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 7:19 am:   

I just installed Norton Security, because my cable provider changed from free McAfee to free Norton, which I do not like but can't afford to buy another virus program. Not only have I been having problems, but every day it comes up with the notice that they found a virus whereas just before I uninstalled McAfee, I did a full scan and no virus was found. Also, I did a full scan with Norton which said there were no problems and then minutes later I got an alert they found a virus. I wonder what kind of security program Markus uses?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 572
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 7:26 am:   

No one. With Apple you normally don't need any. It's mostly save enough by his (Mac OS X) own.
At work i am using Avira (AntiVir 9).
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 330
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 7:32 am:   

I was playing Pitchfork #35 while waiting for your above solution, and again, I can get the reserve pile empty but then I get stuck.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4194
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 8:00 am:   

Few Pitchforks are easy. Not sure how you'll get on with this one either. Getting the tableau cards into the best manageable order is sometimes more critical that getting the reserve empty.

This after 9 moves. If you compare the two photos you can work out the moves I made from the first screenshot to the second one.

This is after 19 moves in total.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_35.pgs (1.6 k)
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 574
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 8:43 am:   

Richard, you are right. The first i always try in Pitchfork is to get at last (?) two piles free. Better are 3, but that's seldom possible at the beginning. At the beginning i normally didn't look at the reserve pile.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4195
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 9:22 am:   

Yes Markus,getting "at least" two piles empty is almost a guarantee of success.
("at last" means...finally or eventually).
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 334
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 1:55 pm:   

I did as you suggested with #36 and was able to empty the first column, but then I had no where to put the reserves. I tried it the other way using some of the reserves and got no where. BTW, in this case, is no where one or two words?
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4200
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 2:18 pm:   

There is no perfect method of playing these Pitchforks. What works in one may not work in the next. Frequently it's just a war of attrition until you find/stumble across the critical moves.
I had to do an enormous amount of reassembly to win #36.


Nine moves to here. Next move 7S into space and then the 2S and AH onto the 3H followed by the KC and QD.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_36.pgs (1.7 k)
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 343
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 15, 2010 - 11:36 pm:   

#1525425536. This one looks like it could be winnable. I got all the 6's up, but then had trouble after that. Maybe I just can't play this game. I've only won a few on my own. Take your time. I'm going to the senior citizen center for lunch just to get out of the house. I don't have a car, and they pick me up and bring me home. I long to enjoy the warmer weather and fresh air.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 579
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 1:40 am:   

I don't know this game number as you know, but it is sometimes important not to put the first cards of the foundation pile up. Sometimes it is better to h0ld them in the piles, so that you can put cards on it. Ok, you will mostly create big piles, Richard is a specialist in that, but that is sometimes the trick. Did you try this?
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 344
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 3:59 am:   

I've tried it somewhat but am always tempted to put the cards on the foundations. I'll try to make bigger piles. I wish I knew the secret you guys have to winning Pitchfork. Do you study the game ahead of time before playing so you can plan your moves?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 580
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 4:18 am:   

No, as i said, the first i try is to get 2 piles empty. This is sometimes possible in two or three ways. Then i look, are there possibilities to go on. When not, then i try to find out what is the main problem and try to solve it.
There is a lot of try and error in the beginning till you find a way, which looks success-promising (?).
Don't give up. There are numbers you can do yourself, so there is always hope.
(And sometimes i just try a totally different start, which i thought it wouldn't lead to success, but i erred(?).)
I really hope, that next version for Mac is coming soon, because i have there Pitchfork, but then probably with the right deal: 8 cards in the reserve as the rules said. Is this bug fixed in the new version? Or are the rules changed to 7 cards?

(Richard, my posts are (?) getting longer and longer and i hope better and better too.)
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 582
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 4:40 am:   

So, to your problem game. It is winnable.
Here my start.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_1525425536_start.pgs (0.3 k)

Try from there to get the 5th pile empty.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 347
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 8:07 am:   

Thanks Richard.

Markus, the rules in the new version say 7 cards in the reserves.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 584
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 10:19 am:   

Kahty, the uploaded file is from me!
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4213
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 11:25 am:   

Well done Markus, I had completely missed Kathy's post.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 586
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 1:00 pm:   

Did you recognize something? Let see, how long it take you time.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4216
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 1:43 pm:   

You got past 30?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 587
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 1:59 pm:   

Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 349
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 2:25 pm:   

Sorry Markus and thank you very much.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 350
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 2:27 pm:   

I forgot to ask. How did you get past 30?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 589
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 2:47 pm:   

My share depot (?) rises today morning another 100 Euro, so i did a small investigation. That means, at work i have now the full version of PGS, but unfortunately not the time, but Richard got a little help for your problem games. I think, that mostly he will help you, because he has more time, but maybe sometimes, ...
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4219
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 3:11 pm:   

I think that you want to tell us that your wage/pay (?) has gone up by another 100 euros, so you made a small investment (?), and have bought the full version of PGS.
I admit that I have more time than you to play solitaire. Perhaps you will be able to win one that I can't. Two minds are better than one.
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77

Post Number: 1446
Registered: 4-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 3:25 pm:   

Or a half of one. (nobody panic, I'm talking about myself)
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 597
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 3:45 pm:   

>wage/pay< ???
I have money on the stock exchange (?) and my stocks jumped today a little more. I don't have already the money, because i didn't sell some, but i don't think i will loose so much, that the fee for PGS will lead me to minus. (Obviously bad English, but the subject is one, i didn't have to use every day.)
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4222
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 4:10 pm:   

Ah! I did think about the stock exchange and then doubted myself. You wanted to say "shares portfolio" I believe. Obviously you would have little use for words like these in everyday speech.
I'm glad that your shares have gone up in value. Well done.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 354
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - 9:02 pm:   

Here's a brain-basher for you -- Pitchfork #455154113. I can only get 2 points.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 601
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 12:55 am:   

Watched a little (1 minute?) and can so much tell you, that there are minimum 4 or 5 points (with the Hearts) possible. If it is winnable i will look later.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 602
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 2:45 am:   

Had time to have a little closer look and it looks bad. The Jacks are in bad positions and the 10th are blocking a little. 5 is the best i could score so far, but let's see, what Richard thinks. I can take another look in an hour or so.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 604
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 4:05 am:   

6 is the best i can get. I am quite sure it is unwinnable, but i had been wrong earlier.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_455154113_score_6.pgs (0.3 k)
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4226
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 4:09 am:   

I just logged on to say exactly that. Six is my best too. 5 hearts plus the AC.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 360
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 7:38 am:   

Congratulate me. I just won a game of Pitchfork on my own!
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 609
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 9:04 am:   

Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4230
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 9:09 am:   

Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 362
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 9:13 am:   

Now I'm stuck on #240172498. Really, you didn't expect another miracle, did you?
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4233
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 4:10 pm:   

I can't break it either Kathy.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 367
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 8:54 pm:   

I can only get 11 points for Pitchfork #421705729.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 614
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 3:20 am:   


After that, it is a tricky way to put cards up to the foundations and back again. And i have had to put one time a card back to the reserve. (I think, it is also possible without this.)
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_421705729.pgs (1.3 k)
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 368
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 4:49 am:   

Thank you, Markus. I couldn't get your screenshot, so I had to use the solution. I still can't see how you do it. Maybe I need to take breaks and come back and maybe I'll be inspired. I'll try that next time.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 376
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 12:02 pm:   

I need help with Pitchfork #421705730. You won't be getting too much more from me today. I'm almost out of cigarettes, and when I'm out of cigarettes, I don't play. They help me think, and I need all the help I can get. It's funny how something that's bad for you can also be good for you in other ways.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 618
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 2:05 pm:   

You have to wait till tomorrow or till Richard post something.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4244
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 2:15 pm:   

It's not winnable Kathy.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 380
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 1:30 pm:   

Richard, Pitchfork #1875757311 looks winnable, but after my initial plays, I'm stuck with no place to put the red 7's or black Q in the reserves. Markus, as you are so busy, you don't have to help me on this. (I'm only kidding; just trying to get a rise out of you.)
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 628
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 1:39 pm:   

You have to wait for my help for at least 10 days. We have one week free, so i cannot play Pitchfork to help you.
You have to count on Richard. BTW he es quite quiet (!) today eves.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 383
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 1:48 pm:   

Richard is quiet because I haven't been here most of the day to bug him. But I'm back now and already have him working. I take it you can only play Pitchfork at work. I didn't know that until just now.
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77

Post Number: 1454
Registered: 4-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 2:26 pm:   

Richard has fallen into a paint bucket and can't get out.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 630
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 2:35 pm:   

Mike, which colour he will have, when he find some day the way out?
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4256
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 2:41 pm:   

"play Pitchfork at work" OMG! Another critic Markus! Hee hee.
I've been busy painting and decorating for days Kathy. I'd have been far further forward had I taken a few seconds to read what it said on the paint tin. Fools rush in...etc. Anyway it has resulted in a great deal more work and expense too. I'd to remove a door and strip it with Nitromors. I'm not going to tell you how long that took or how much more time the sanding and repainting took. All work and no play makes Richard a scunnered loon
Just the solution Kathy. It got a bit messy the way I played it.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_1875757311_Messy.pgs (1.9 k)
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4257
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 2:44 pm:   

Avert your eyes Kathy.

Have one on me guys.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 631
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 3:35 pm:   

Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 385
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 7:17 pm:   

Richard, I'll be satisfied for the night if you just tell me what Nitromors is. Is that like turpentine.

Watch it boys, there are ladies present.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4265
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 7:21 pm:   

Nitromors is a syrupy type of paint stripper that can remove up to 15 thicknesses of paint that have accumulated over many years. It's mean stuff.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 387
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 8:10 pm:   

I believe congratulations are in order. It is always a joyous, if unbelievable, occasion when I win a Pitchfork on my own, which I just did. Yeah for me!
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4267
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 4:12 am:   

That's what playing PGS is all about. It doesn't matter if games are easy or difficult if you get a personal buzz out of winning them. Well done.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 390
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 5:09 am:   

Pitchfork #1875757313. I've been working on this since last night, but no new revelations this morning. Take your time. I'll be watching Mass in an hour and will work on my next Haystack until then.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4270
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 7:49 am:   

Having another overdue break. Not making much headway with this Pitchfork despite being able to clear the Reserve. I may be overlooking something. Will persevere.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 392
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 9:34 am:   

I too was able to clear the reserves but then couldn't go on from there.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4273
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 10:07 am:   

I've given up on it Kathy.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 395
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 12:30 pm:   

I'm testing to see if this post goes through. I got an error message.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 396
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 12:32 pm:   

OK. Don't work too hard today, Richard, but when you have a chance, I need help with Pitchfork 570111872. BTW, where's Markus today? Is he on holiday?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 643
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 1:01 pm:   

I am still here.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4277
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 2:52 pm:   

Kathy, 7 is as much as I've scored with Pitchfork 570111872.

Markus, You are far too quiet. What nasty games are you getting ready to spring on me?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 644
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 3:28 pm:   

Nothing special. Playing Fan, Free Fan, ST, STH, DST, Thieves of Egypt, sometimes Malmaison. A little Martha, Arizona, Perseverance, Osmosis. That's it. I am waiting for the next version (maybe in Beta already, maybe not, but i am hoping), because there i will have Bastion with wrapping AND Pitchfork. What other games, i don't still know. Maybe i play a little Bakers Game, but don't know.
It sounds a little being mad, but looking into the forum, i am always hoping that someone has posted a game (i have) he couldn't do. I think you know that, didn't you (?)?
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4279
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 3:42 pm:   

Yes Markus, that is what I love to do too. Win the games where other players have failed. I think you know that, don't you. (both present tense. Didn't is past tense).
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 647
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 4:05 pm:   

I try to remember that error next time. It is the second time you telling me.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 401
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 5:39 pm:   

Markus, I love playing fan but I get so frustrated with it. In order to win, you almost have to play the entire game in your head first, unless you see a glaring error right away. After doing that, I get too tired. So, I play now just once or twice every day or else I'll be tempted to just play without looking at the cards first, and then I usually lose.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 403
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 9:21 pm:   

I won another game on my own tonight, and I submitted my stats (which I had forgotten to do), and I am ranked No. 3 with 70% behind two 100% winners.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 421
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 12:59 pm:   

Now that I've gotten my stats to where I want them, I have decided to hone my pitchfork skills. Unfortunately, I'm just as bad as ever without help. No. 1751603564 is my newest challenge. I would appreciate hints if it's not too much trouble. Maybe that way, I can improve. BTW, I owe my current success in Pitchfork to Richard and Markus. I couldn't have done it without you. Sounds like an award speech, doesn't it?
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 425
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 7:20 pm:   

I worked on 1751603584 again and managed to get 4 points and no more. I'll work on it again tomorrow, but if I can't get it, I'll call it a loss.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 428
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 10:18 pm:   

Is Pitchfork #1751603584 winnable?
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4316
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 7:14 am:   

I can match your 4 Kathy, but I have the feeling that it could go a lot farther. No time at present. Will try again later.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 669
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 12:07 pm:   

Hi Richard, that is one of those Pitchforks, which seems to be winnable, but what you try, one cell missing. If it would be possible to put the JS down from the foundations, then i could solve it, but so far i can also score just 4 (3 Jacks and 1 Queen).
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4323
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 1:34 pm:   

We are all having the same problems. I can get the Stock down to just two cards. If I can find the elusive missing cell then I know it would be winnable. I intend to keep trying for a while more.
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 672
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 2:28 pm:   

I tried nearly everything to find that cell. I didn't find it so far. When we could put the Jack down that would be great.
(BTW i sent you an email.)
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 439
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 9:02 pm:   

I just won the next Pitchfork game on my own. Thought you'd like to know. Maybe I'm getting better, but it's probably just luck.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 440
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 9:49 pm:   

I tried to upload my screenshot of Pitchfork #239482146. I got to where it previewed my post, but I couldn't post it, only preview it. What did I do wrong? I wanted to post it, because I think it could be winnable, and I wanted to show where I got to.Pitchfork
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 441
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 22, 2010 - 9:50 pm:   

I guess I did it okay. Any suggestions as to where I go from this screenshot, or do I have to start over?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 686
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 12:15 am:   

From that screenshot you cannot do a lot. The only thing i see, is to put cards back from the foundation, so that you can put the 2H onto a pile, but if the 4s are the foundation card at start, then you got stuck.
I don't know the starting position, but it looks a little like a winner.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 442
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 3:50 am:   

I'll try Markus, but the 4's were all in a row right underneath each other with no cards underneath them at the start of the game. Do you think that makes it harder?
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 687
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 3:54 am:   

No, because you can use same for building large piles.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4329
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 3:58 am:   

Congratulations with the screenshot Kathy! You can do a lot more than you appear to think. You've already found out that big uploads like a screenshot may take a little time, depending on the speed of your modem.
Here is my solution to your Pitchfork. An enyoyable one, but note that I avoided saying it was e--y.....because it's not.
Just the solution. Save it in your PC so you can undo and redo the moves. There were a few clever little moves near the end that are worth learning from.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_239482146_Enjoyable_But.pgs (1.3 k)
Markus Reischl (Markus)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Markus

Post Number: 688
Registered: 7-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 4:24 am:   

Richard, you must have been a little faster. After my message my Mac was busy and i tried the Pitchfork game.
Kathys screenshot was very good.
Kathy, here an advanced position and my winning position.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_239482146_advanced.pgs (0.7 k)
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_239482146_winning_position.pgs (1.2 k)
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 444
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 4:26 am:   

I'll try working on it off and on, because so far, no luck. Can I win it from my screenshot, or do I have to start over again? It's my first moves that are my undoing, I think.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4330
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 4:40 am:   

Kathy.....My solution and those of Markus are on this page. You need to scroll way over to the right to see them. Have to go out now. Eye appointment in Aberdeen. Boo!
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 445
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 4:56 am:   

Yes. I used your solution. Now, I'm playing under another name to see if I can win it on my own. That was the reason for my above question. I can't see very well at all, except for the computer, but Medicare doesn't cover eye doctors, and the new health care bill won't help me there since I already have Medicare and can't afford private coverage. especially since they're taking away our Medicare Advantage supplemental program.
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 450
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 3:14 pm:   

For Pitchfork 239482147 I can only get 5 points. Is it winnable? Don't wait to take too much time if it isn't.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4332
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 3:56 pm:   

It's winnable but it took me a while to find the right route.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_239482147_Winner.pgs (0.9 k)
Kathy Quade (Kathyquade)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Kathyquade

Post Number: 454
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 10:30 pm:   

For Pitchfork 239482148, I can get 7 points and that's all. I'm sure there must be more that can be done with it.
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4347
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 9:18 am:   

It almost caught me napping too Kathy. Winnable but I needed a couple of moves that could easily be overlooked.
The screenshot takes 13 moves. BTW I kept the 6H in the tableau and used it for building down. It stayed put until after I exhausted the stock. I also needed to take the 8S back off the foundations late in the game to move an awkward red seven.
application/octet-stream
Pitchfork_239482148_Napping.pgs (1.1 k)
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland

Post Number: 4348
Registered: 9-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 9:20 am:   

I'll start a new thread in a minute. This one is annoying. My screenshot and solution are there but way over to the right.

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