| Author |
Message |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 448
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 6:00 pm: | |
Hi Ken,
1415145344, 710322688, are my only winners so far. Let's see if we can get well up the leaders board. |
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 117
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 6:17 pm: | |
Richard, Here's my only winning # for Elba: 650639617 |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 456
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2007 - 5:51 am: | |
More power to your elba. 650639617 and 867774912 are winning numbers. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 596
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 5:23 pm: | |
For Ken Blackwell (in particular).
To reciprocate for your sole Dover,your Microstomus pacificus, I thought you'd appreciate a free trip to Elba.
Elba_difficult_1723578111
Have fun. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 599
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 6:33 am: | |
Does anyone have any Elba numbers that they've not won. If so, I'd like to try them. I'm working on the theory that the vast majority are winnable,
perhaps even all of them. Here's an ideal opportunity to make me eat my words.
Thanks,
Richard. |
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 177
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 10:18 am: | |
Ask and ye shall receive!
237873937
1613636352
344013761
1476668032
If you win these all in less than 10 minutes, try and cushion the blow. I'm still reeling from the BS comment! |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 601
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 2:03 pm: | |
"I'm still reeling from the BS comment!". There's not much mileage for reparte in "cows", particularly if you have to keep it clean. I'll consider myself reprimanded. I udderly cowed, but don't milk it.
Thanks for the numbers. I'll lie to you re the solution times. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 14
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 3:02 pm: | |
I was deeply mooved by such a remark. I was grazing through your various posts. We Americans are adept at spreading manure that's true, but I have known some Scotsmen who can do a pretty good job of tossing the old bull. |
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 179
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 4:03 pm: | |
Mike, love the comments! Now it's 2 against 1. (But with Richard, I feel we are still overmatched!) |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 602
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 4:50 pm: | |
So you were deeply moooved Mike.More dung imminent I presume. Guinness and pickled eggs tends to have that effect. It may be true on very rare occasions that the odd Jock has availed himself of some BS, but we've never, ever been able to fill a super-bowl. We leave that to you guys.
So you're ganging up on me eh? Well let me introduce you to a fellow highlander. This shaggy beast was ambling along the highest road in the UK (Applecross)with a load of her mates. Luckily we had reached a passing place when they arrived, but others cars were forced off the road. She brushed along the side of our car like a giant scouring pad. They were looking for Englishmen, or American tourists. They must have found some too, judging by the evidence left all along the road No wonder Ken is going to Jersey. Their cows are much, much prettier. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 15
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 10:38 pm: | |
Looks like the guy who lives next door. Yes Ken we are over matched. If I mooooved to Scotland it would just be because I cud. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 603
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 3:09 am: | |
Your neighbour sounds like a right hairy heifer. A mooonshiner no doubt. Does he have regular byres? Does he have any offspring? No doubt you've heard the pat,pat, patter of tiny mooovements next door. You'd like Scotland Mike, endless scenery rolling pasteurise. Come on a seven day holiday. Take a wee calf.
Enough of this madness! Calfee break. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 606
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 3:46 am: | |
To Ken,
O wad some power the giftie gie us,
To see oursels as ithers see us.
It wad frae mony a blunder free us,
And foolish notion.
Tae ask fer Elbas hard tae crack,
Is een request I wad tak back.
(Apologies to Mr.Burns for the slight parody).
You'll be pleased to learn that the Elba numbers you inflicted on me have refused to surrender.
Luckily Liz had been playing PGS just minites before me, so it was her stats that got torpedoed.
I must have been exceptionally lucky when I played 15 consecutive games without a loss, so my own record is still 100%. Thanks anyway. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 607
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 3:48 am: | |
There's a mini spelling mistake. |
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 180
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 6:36 am: | |
What are Liz's favorite PGS games? |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 608
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 7:13 am: | |
She tends to chop and change all the time. I rarely see her playing it these days. She's been obsessed (some would argue,possessed) by PGMahjongg lately. I've gone off it a little. Not as challenging as PGS.
Just solved one of your Elba stinkers # 1476668032. Not gonna tell you how long it took!!!! (Clue, we're not talking minutes).
|
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 609
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 11:50 am: | |
Elba # 344013761 and 1613636352 are also both winnable but VERY difficult.
Liz says Accordian is her favourite because she can wind me up by winning it regularly. I've just won it once. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 610
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 1:34 pm: | |
Elba # 237873937 is also winnable Ken, but it's taken a few hours to win the four of them. Certainly not for the faint hearted. Have saved them in case anyone else fancies trying them.
What about you Mike (or anyone else), do you have any losing Elbas for me?
|
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 181
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 4:02 pm: | |
Congrats, Richard! I knew you could do it. I'm surprised you haven't let us know that "Able was I ere I saw Elba". (I always suspected you had Napoleonic tendencies!) |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 611
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 5:19 pm: | |
Napoleon and Hitler were both corporals. They were both losers too. If it's winners you want, check this out.Our local regiment,instrumental in the defeat of both, despite a no-show by John Wayne.
hhttp://www.gordonhighlanders.com/home.cfm?p=histor y
(I may interrogate you later).
I'm not sure if I've heard your palindrome before. One of my favourite bars is in another one:- Glenelg. To hell with France; do a Scottish pubcrawl. |
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 182
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 6:17 pm: | |
Don't tempt me! |
Ken Millar (Tpa_ken)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Tpa_ken
Post Number: 183
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 9:27 pm: | |
Here are some more #'s:
377803969
1325910016
1810366080
978464065
859044097
Not as difficult as the last group, but hey...
Speaking of palindromes, what were the first words ever spoken???
Madam, I'm Adam! |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 16
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 11:59 pm: | |
I haven't tried Elba yet, but will give it try. Been trying to get my Dover total to 50 games. I have been trying to get to Scotland for a long time. Been to London, parts of France and Switzerland. Maybe next year. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 612
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 4:58 pm: | |
Hi Guys,
We've spent most of today visiting our two best friends. They happen to be English. Bet that surprised you after my frequent jibes at that nationality. I suppose I'd better come clean re Americans too. I've met quite a few and they have all been decent people, and not a BS merchant amongst them. I do love to indulge my hobby of winding you all up though, so please forget you ever read this and not ruin my fun or my street cred.
Thanks for the new Elba numbers Ken. They should keep me entertained tomorrow. Not familiar with the new palindrome either, but Eve could fit in the middle of it quite nicely.
It's occured to me that it's far from the first time I mentioned favourite watering holes. I'll admit there are quite a few scattered the length and breadth of the country. I've even supped a pint of two in the 17th century Crook Inn where Robert Burns wrote one of his poems. So if either of you ever decide to make the pilgrimage to God's chosen country, I could be persuaded to revisit each and every one of them again. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 17
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 12:02 am: | |
Hi All. I have just proved my lack of knowledege about computers as I have totally messed up my main computer. So I will be held up to getting to 50 games in Dover. The Elba game I was working on is also on the shelf, but I found another that I am trying to solve on my old computer. It is really giving me trouble but I will keep trying. Proving once again you guys are too good. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 172
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 4:19 pm: | |
Richard,
I just saw you post directed at me, as I am working my way thru the Elba games posted. I had only played it once, 1439287408, it is winnable. I have not been a fan of games that play cards to all on each deal. This one has proven to be of interest however. Thanks for the challenge.
I will keep playing and see what other jewels you have for me.
Jax Ken |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 616
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 5:59 pm: | |
Hi Ken,
Welcome back. I have some remarkably good Elbas saved now. I found the following ones particularly challenging.
Elba_Very difficult_1476668032
Elba_Very difficult_1584941056
Elba_Very difficult_1613636352
Elba_Very difficult_237873937
Elba_Very difficult_344013761
Elba_excruciating_1778452607
Elba_special_1778452607
Elba_superb_184519905
You should get a kick out of solving any one of them. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 617
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 6:03 pm: | |
Ignore Elba_special_1778452607. I've managed to save it twice (same game as "excruciating"). |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 618
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 6:58 am: | |
# 377803969 is the only game mentioned in this page that I have so far failed to win. I have yet to encounter an Elba that is easy to win. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 22
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 12:19 pm: | |
Hi Richard: #1035775361 was the easiest I have played so far. Working on #49470013 at present. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 23
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 1:10 pm: | |
Ok, solved that one. It took a while. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 619
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 2:20 pm: | |
Well done Mike. I've now solved # 377803969 too, so every number on this page is winnable.
I'd rate # 377803969 as extremely difficult. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 25
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 4:27 pm: | |
I'll try #377803969 next. Sounds pretty tough though. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 26
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 11:40 pm: | |
Ok Guys I got one for you. Elba #23. I'm stumped so far. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 27
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 11:56 pm: | |
Good Grief! I solved it. I don't know what I did differently than the other 50 times I tried to solve it. Oh well on to #24.Got my main computer back up and running btw. Could not recover my saved Dover games though. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 624
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 4:58 am: | |
Thanks Mike, I enjoyed that one. I thought it was going to be a lot easier when I'd cleared two columns using the cards that were dealt first. I did however take me a few redeals before I found the chink in it's armour. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 625
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 5:34 am: | |
USEFUL TRICKS with "ELBA"
It is usually the best policy to play cards onto the foundations whenever possible. This rarely backfires.
Cards can be taken back off the foundations onto the tableau. This can be useful to play another tableau card onto.
Situations sometimes arise when it is advisable to change a suit in the foundations. For example,
if you had a three of clubs on the foundations, and a three of spades in the tableau covered by a red two. Assuming you had a red four available in the tableau, you could play the 3C down onto it, move the red two across, then continue playing all the available spades up onto the foundations.
Empty columns can be used to great advantage.
It is often advisable NOT to fill an empty column, but wait until a different colour king appears.
Any group headed by a king can be moved into an empty column, including one that has nothing else under it. eg, if every card in column two could be moved into an empty space in column eight, you have altered which column remains empty.
The final four cards to be dealt are often critical. Remember that columns five to ten will remain unaltered. Any group of cards headed by a king should be moved out of harms way if possible.
Similarly it is often possible to transfer some cards out of the first four columns onto cards in the remaining ones.
All these little tricks can help you turn a losing game into a winning one, and help you to get more enjoyment out of your games. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 35
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 3:45 pm: | |
I've solved Games 23 through 26. Game 27 is giving me problems. Take a look. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 640
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 5:32 pm: | |
Hi Mike, I'm not surprised game 27 is causing you grief. I'm beginning to think it's unwinnable, but it will be a while before I'm more certain. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 643
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 6:58 am: | |
Mike, could you please upload your best effort for #27. All of my own avenues have been dead ends. Maybe you can provide the opening I'm looking for. Still not convinced we can't win this one. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 644
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 10:03 am: | |
Hi Mike,
I'm writing to our Prime Minister. I feel I should appear on the next "Honours" list.
An O.B.E. would be acceptable, or
an M.B.E perhaps.
The O is for Outstanding,
The M is for Magnificent,
The E is for Effort,
If I could just think of something appropriate for the B's.
Loosely translated, this means that #27 (a B in it's own right), has been vanquished. If I had to put this into a category for difficulty it would be "Muhammed Ali".
I'll not post the solution for at least a week. Want it to frustrate you as much as it did me. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 36
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 1:09 pm: | |
Thanks Richard. I am already throwing things around with this one. I am not surprised you figured it out. Maybe we need to wait on the solution to give Ken a crack at it. In the meantime I will keep working on it. You get the PIPS award. Persistance In Puzzle Solving. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 645
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 1:34 pm: | |
Mike if you're still working on this one I assure it will drive you crazy. I'm posting a base camp for you. Start here and return to it every time you get stuck. If you unwind it from here you'll see some of the moves which I was obliged not to play, to leave these cards available for later moves.
To emphasise just how fiendishly difficult this one is, when there were no cards left in the stock,I had a score of just 8, 28 cards still covered, and 4 aces missing. This is the DADDY.
|
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 646
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 1:52 pm: | |
I meant to add that it's column 9 that is cleared first and then column 1 much later. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 38
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 27, 2007 - 12:05 am: | |
Hi Richard and Ken. Well even with Richards help I am still stumped. Hope Ken is working on this one. I will keep working on it. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 648
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 27, 2007 - 4:10 am: | |
Glad you're not giving up Mike.I will help you by throwing you another crumb. Base Camp 2. It's still a daunting journey to the summit, but at least you know you're on the right track. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 657
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 5:57 am: | |
Hi Mike, Some of the Elbas I've played recently would bring tears to a glass eye, but if you're looking for an easy one, try 593809984. With 24 cards still left in the stock, I had a score of 24, and just 7 cards left covered. The rest of it requires some thought but I'm sure you'll cope. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 45
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 11:56 am: | |
Hi Richard. I'll give it a try. I am still fighting 27. I am going to figure it out some how. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 659
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 12:21 pm: | |
Hi Mike, It's a stinker eh? Here is your third and final base camp. Next stop the summit. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 47
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 1:18 pm: | |
Good Grief! I can't believe I got #27. Could not have done it without help, that's for sure. Even at the end I don't know what I did to solve it. #593809984 looks like another tough one. Thanks, I think. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 661
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 4:10 pm: | |
Congratulations on winning #27 Mike. Are you up to winning it from scratch do you think. Don't even try, once is plenty. Your new number is fairly straightforward. Run through my solution and then try it yourself.
ps Did you spot some BS in my last T.I.post? |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 48
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 6:07 pm: | |
I don't care if I ever hear another word about Elba #27. Unless it's Ken saying it has put him to his knees.  I am so numb after finishing #27 I can't think. But I thought there might have been a little something in that post. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 662
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 6:26 pm: | |
Yes Mike, game 27 is consigned to the history books now. Let's leave it there. Gone but not forgotten.
The BS concerned me watching the TV and playing games simultaneously. I may be pretty good at PGS, but I'm not as good as that. I'm listening to the TV, but only with one ear. (Liz is keeping the other one busy). |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Intermediate Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 49
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 12:36 am: | |
It wouldn't have surprised me a bit if it were true. And you were making a Kilt at the same time. As for what is going on in your ears, that's a little more than I need to know. But I am a wee bit jealous. Elba has me spooked right now after that last one. I am not sure what to play and what not to play. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 663
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 4:27 am: | |
With any game you can never be completely sure what to play and what not to play. Frequently it's just a case of trial and error. The "undo" button gets used more than anything else in Elba.
When a game doesn't come out, I look at it and ask some questions about broken columns. What if this had been in another column? What if that had been a 7H instead of a 7D? Then I undo until I get the chance to put it elsewhere. There's nothing magic about it. It's mainly hard work, although a good memory does help.
Re kilts. I've never worn one in my life, and neither have most Scots. They are becoming extremely popular for weddings though, as the outfit is very photogenic. The only other times you can see lots of them is if Scotland is playing another nation at something, football in particular. The Hire Shops get mega busy. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 174
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 9:59 am: | |
Well I have to say Elba is taking me longer to win than most games outside of Malmaison and such. I am 10 and 1 with your games so far but find mysef on a game for a solid week sometimes. Ive even cosulted the Scottish Lord Im a direct line to figuring it was a trait with little result.
Ken |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 664
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007 - 10:58 am: | |
Hi Ken,
Yes Elba is up there with some of the hardest games around. I am still convinced that all but a very small percentage are winnable, and that most people's "losing" games are down to pilot error, or pilot fatigue perhaps. The longest I've spent on any one game number is a quesstimake of 8 to 10 hours.
If you let me know the game number that's messing with your head, I'll post a partial solution.
The bad news is that I've got LOADS more numbers that are possibly as bad, and perhaps even worse.
I'm glad you're finding them interesting. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 175
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2007 - 1:14 pm: | |
You know Im not one to give up that easy.
was taxing |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 668
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2007 - 1:28 pm: | |
Well done mate.Check these.
Elba_Black Knight_1150466816
Elba_Black Bishop_2138129535
Elba_Black Rook_491679
Elba_Black Queen_760682816
Elba_Black King_78916177
They're all especially nasty, but not in any particular order of difficulty.
|
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 55
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 4:13 pm: | |
Richard and Blackie, Take a look at #28 and see if you can give me a hint on plan of attack. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 672
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 - 3:37 am: | |
I'm still working on #28 Mike, but strangely have not scored more than 28 yet either. What is it with you and 27's and 28's? Is this a sign from the Gods that some deranged woman may propose to you one leap year? You're being warned to avoid 29's! So your hint for your plan of attack is defence, the best form of. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 673
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 - 6:36 am: | |
Number 28 IS winnable. I thought it would be, but it's very,very difficult. My winning record is still intact but this came very close to wrecking it.
It's practically impossible to give clues in Elba, so I'm posting a partial solution. You have no cards left in the stock, and it's winnable from here. All you have to do is figure out how.
Good luck. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 58
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 - 1:56 pm: | |
Thanks Richard. I finished it. I got pretty close to the spot where your hint put me. But I kept wanting to clear that right side. Even the finish wasn't that easy. For me anyway. As you know I am trying them in order. 1 to 28 so far. Sure hope #29 is a little easier. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 176
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 - 9:44 am: | |
I only save games I find difficult. So I have save all of these!!! Pulled everythig except the molars so far. 15-1 but it may take a year to get to 50. Still not my style of game but interesting.
|
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 675
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 04, 2007 - 10:33 am: | |
Hi Ken, Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It reminds me of doing jigsaw puzzles. You know all the bits are there but puting them in the right place is the problem. Since 14th April I've managed to win close to 100 without a loss. As you've discovered, some of them are a little reluctant to oblige. Any time you want some more bad boys just let me know.
|
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 61
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 05, 2007 - 5:02 pm: | |
I guess I am just not very good at Elba. Now #30 is giving me problems. Have a crack at it guys and see what you can make out of it. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 678
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 4:17 am: | |
Hi Mike, I've done some work on your game 30, and I will swear on the bible that the best score I've got so far has been 27. There's no reason for you to think that you're not very good at Elba.It's a difficult game at the best of times, but some numbers are extremely difficult, as Ken Blackwell has said, and some are downright impossible. At the moment I'm classing #30 as "extremely difficult". Watch this space. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 680
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 5:03 am: | |
I'd rate it as pretty difficult. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 62
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 12:03 pm: | |
I still don't think I am up to Elba. Even after going back over your solution with redo. I was still lost. It looked like the way I played it. At least at first. I am going to go back over that one a few more times and see if I can get it. Thanks again. You have saved me once more. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 177
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 10:14 am: | |
Need some help on #1400691968
good luck! |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 716
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 1:05 pm: | |
Here's some help for your number Ken. Try this:-
Our Father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy Kingdom come, thy games be done,
As they are in Scotland.
Apart from that I've nothing to offer you so far. Looks like a complete stinker. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 717
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 3:29 pm: | |
Hi Ken, Your game is winnable. Once I found the first signpost I was directed fairly quickly to my destination.
I know you'd not appreciate if I made it too easy for you, but you can win it from where I've left it. If you're feeling particularly masochistic, try the smaller file first. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 88
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 11:36 pm: | |
Richard my Tam is off to you. Even with your help I still had to battle finishing that one off. I don't know how you do it. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 726
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 3:29 am: | |
I'm in direct communication with God. He plays PGS all the time too, and gives me some tips. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 178
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 10:02 am: | |
I had a feeling it was winnable, just wasnt sure.
got it, had been down that path many times. |
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 191
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 2:59 pm: | |
Richard and Ken--what is the problem with Elba? I played it a while back and while I didn't win it, I didn't think it was difficult---
Maria |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 179
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 3:03 pm: | |
There is no problem. I am 31 and 1 (not close to Sir Richard). Many are quite simple. The ones that are not can be very perplexing to say the least. I did find I was playing all of the posted hard ones which did make it worse....lol.
|
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 93
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 3:30 pm: | |
I personally find Elba very difficult. A lot of them anyway. Richard and Blackie are much better than I am. I have pretty much given up. I just get lost on some of the hands and don't know what to play anymore. I have had a few easy ones. But not to many. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 735
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 6:09 pm: | |
Hi Maria, You say that although you didn't win Elba but you didn't think it was that difficult. Both it and Crescent are rated as "Hard 20%", so in theory we should win one out of every five! Try a few Elbas and see how you get on. Don't attempt any of the ones posted on this page though. Most of them are very difficult. Look for ones with a good spread of cards of both colours. It's a good game but not to everyone's taste. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 736
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 6:39 pm: | |
I just checked the online stats. For Crescent eight people have scores of 98% and above.One person has 1000 straight wins. Amazing! That's one record that's pretty safe eh? For Elba only 4 people have scores above 50%. Looks like most people agree with you Mike. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 94
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 18, 2007 - 10:38 pm: | |
It's an odd feeling to have anyone agree with me. My wife and son never do. ;) I did solve #1062702080 on my own, for a change. Maybe I'll try another one. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 737
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 3:27 am: | |
We aim to please Mike. My previous partner was very disagreeable too. The only woman I've ever met who could contradict herself in the same sentence. Her tongue went like a flag in a wind-tunnel.
Provided you don't pick one that's obviously nasty looking, you should be able to win a good few Elbas. As I said to Maria, try and find one that starts with a good spread of cards of both colours.If you're raving mad like me and just play what it throws at you, you're just asking for trouble.I find that they rarely come out on the first run through, but then I have a good look at all the columns and assess where I think the blocks have occurred. I then replay the game and try to make alternative moves when the time comes. Sometimes you will get a king or something similar that lands on top of a good run of cards, let's say a nine right down to a two. Undo at this point and see if you can move part of this column, say the seven downwards, onto another column. This little trick can often get you out of a spot. |
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 194
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 4:55 am: | |
Richard, I never pay too much attention to the percentages quoted--sometimes the games noted as easy to win are the most difficult--I just play along and hope to get lucky--hahaha!
THank you for the suggestions on Elba---- |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 181
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 10:10 am: | |
437449889 is one I just played. It wasnt to difficult but was fun.
Give it a try |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 182
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 10:13 am: | |
BTW Thomas only has 1140 post, think you might just catch him. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 743
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 11:42 am: | |
Thanks for 437449889 Ken. I didn't find it too difficult either, but I wonder how the likes of Maria would fare with it. It's quite simple to land yourself in a pickle with most Elba numbers.
Re Thomas's quantity of posts, yep, you could be right, the lunatics could be taking over the asylum before we're very much older. |
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 198
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 12:43 pm: | |
Richard, I'm not sure I like that comment about "the likes of Maria"---what was that supposed to mean? |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 744
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 3:32 pm: | |
Hi Maria, This is a fuller version of what I was saying to Ken. People "the likes of Maria" who are not as used to playing Elba as we are would probably not agree with our opinions that it wasn't too difficult.
I've no reason whatsoever to slight you, but I apologise because I have obviously given you that impression. I'll take care not to abbreviate my posts to the extent that they are open to any wrongful interpretation.
If I choose to insult anyone, they will be in absolutely no doubt about it. Anything else is accidental. |
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 199
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 5:42 pm: | |
Richard, I should try to curb my sensitive feelings--after I sent that post out I thought about it and I was sure you didn't mean anything by it--
You are right--I am not as "experienced" with Elba as you and Ken are---perhaps I should quit Crescent and try to "catch up" to the rest of you--
No offense taken--have a good evening/morning---whichever applies-- |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 747
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 2:36 am: | |
Yes Maria I've gathered that you are somewhat sensitive at times, but that's no bad thing. It vexes me that you, or anyone else, could take offence at anything I say. I'm full of mischief, but certainly not full of malice.
I'm always conscious that more experienced players like myself could deter others from even trying some games if we keep banging on about how easy we found them. The less experienced, or less fanatical players may find them far from easy. I think that was the case with the Elba I was talking to Ken about. You would probably find it pretty tricky, but six months down the line might rattle it off without a great deal of trouble. Everything is relative. I've said it many times, just enjoy your PGS. They're not exams, thank God, they're just games.
Incidentally Scotland is 5 hours in front of your time, so if it's 7pm with you, it's midnight here.
This post should be about about 3.40 in the morning. |
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 202
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 6:02 am: | |
Sensitivity has always been a fault of mine--you would think that by this age I would have learned to be less hurt by life and/or people--I'm sure you meant no malice--
Scotland is 5 hours ahead of New York--unfortunately, I am in Arizona which is three hours more in arrears. I wish I were in New York--and it's going to happen, hopefully this year--- |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 748
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 6:44 am: | |
I used to be painfully shy and very sensitive myself, although you'd never think it now, so I know how it can effect you. We're cool.
I did wonder if you'd be in a different time zone;I should have Googled it. It also transpires that we are now 6 hours in front of New York judging by the time disprepancy in my last post. We're using British Summer Time just now, and we'll put our clocks back an hour in the autumn.
I hope you get to New York this year. The sun in Arizona would mess with my head big time.
It's 12.46 now. See what it posts. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 183
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 9:52 am: | |
Heres one I found particulary fun
#1211032832
It came down to one small move (as they mostly do) but took me awhile to see it. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 97
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 11:55 am: | |
Just finished #1062702080. Going to try Ken's # now. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 98
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 11:59 am: | |
Actually it was #2000000000. Elba really messes with my poor little brain. I had played the other # awhile back. I was curious how many possible deals were available. |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 750
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 12:06 pm: | |
Yes #1062702080 was worth playing Ken. It's not as hard as many we've encountered but I certainly enjoyed it. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Advanced Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 99
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 12:17 pm: | |
Thanks Ken. That was a good one for me. I thought I was trapped there for a minute.
|
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 203
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 8:08 pm: | |
Well, if you are 6 hours ahead of New York, you are 9 hours ahead of Arizona--we are three behind New York right now--I wish they'd stop this Daylight Davings Time but it doesn't look as though that will ever go through--
I am still shy with strangers and I don't get to know people that easily--too man hurts in life have made me very wary and leery of getting close to persons I just meet--it takes me a long time to "warm up" to someone--anyone, for that matter--
We are definitely going to get back to the New York area--if not by the end of this year, very early in 2008--I can't wait to "go home"--- |
Richard Mechen (Richardscotland)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Richardscotland
Post Number: 754
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 21, 2007 - 5:14 am: | |
To Maria, Interesting typo in "too man hurts". Freudian Slip? Trust your instincts, also first impressions are usually quite accurate I find. I've learned that most people are too interested in getting on with their own lives to mess with yours. Most of the time our "demons" are self inflicted. Hopefully things will improve when you "go home".
I don't know if you missed a recent post for you, but here is the link again.
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/
To Ken and Mike, positively my last post for a while. Leaving on holiday within the hour.
Here's something that may ruin your day, or possibly days! Catch you later.
Elba_Very nasty_2099350527
|
Frances Cammisa (Yankeegal)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Yankeegal
Post Number: 204
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 21, 2007 - 5:58 am: | |
Richard, that was a bit of "sloppy" proofreading on my part--it should have read "too many hurts"---and I should be both ashamed of myself and more careful--I was an editor during my working years--
It would be fantastic to have Scotty "beam me up" and be in Scotland just like that--it is beautiful--the pictures in the website are awesome! I have saved them in "Favorites" to review them again! Thank you for sending me that information. |
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 101
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 21, 2007 - 11:04 pm: | |
Hope your having a good holiday Richard. I got #2099350527. I will now have a head ache probably for as long as you are gone. |
Ken Blackwell (Blackie9)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Blackie9
Post Number: 184
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 10:04 pm: | |
Got it also. Here is another one I enjoyed.
|
Mike Butler (Butler77)
Master Solitaire Player
Username: Butler77
Post Number: 102
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2007 - 3:35 pm: | |
Thanks Ken, that was indeed a good one. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page
Putt to bed