In case you are a card game lover (or on the way to becoming one) and you want to play one by yourself, try Solitaire. If you are not already familiar with this type of card game, read on to find out all about it and see where you can play.
What is Solitaire?
Solitaire is a name used for hundreds of different variants of card games. What all of them have in common is playing solo. So, all you need to play is a deck of cards (or two, depending on the game).
The first records of the game appear somewhere around the 1700s with multiple mentions in books from England, Germany, and Portugal. The Victorians were fond of Solitaire games, and we know that Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband was also a fan.
When we say Solitaire, what we usually think of is a classic version of the game, also known as Klondike. This is the most popular variant of the game and what helped to spread its popularity is when Microsoft incorporated it into their operating system thus it became available for everyone owning a computer in the 1990s and early 2000s.
This game has many names, and the most common one is Patience.
How to Play Solitaire?
All you need to start a game is a single 52-standard deck of cards. The goal of the game is to rearrange cards in a certain order by following a few simple rules.
First, we randomly shuffle the deck and arrange cards in columns where you can move them in descending order by placing them one on top of another. In columns, cards that are following cannot be of the same suit as the one we place them on.
In the top left corner, you can find four piles. That’s where the final card placement should be. In piles, cards must be in ascending order of the same suit. When all the cards from the deck are placed in the correct piles, the game is over.
The difference between game versions is usually card arrangement at the beginning and cards that are in play. Look at different versions of the game and where you can find them.
1) Solitaire Bliss
If you have just embarked on a journey of Solitaire card games, the best way is to start with the base game.
In this version, we place cards in seven columns and each column contains a different number of cards. The first column consists of one card, the second has two, and so on. Only one card is visible per column at the beginning of the game. The number of remaining cards that have to be discovered and placed is 28.
Here you can find a detailed explanation of how to play Solitaire step by step with pictures. You can also track your game statistics and try daily challenges.
And if you decide to try a different version of the game, this website offers another 36 Solitaire games.
2) FreeCell.net
This version keeps the same concept but with different placements. In the beginning, all 52 cards are revealed and arranged in 8 columns. In the upper left corner you can find Free Cells you can use as temporary card holders until you finally place them in Foundations or Home Cells.
This version of Solitaire, as well as others, requires some skill and planning. So the best way to play is to strategize and remain concentrated. Still, you will also need a bit of luck because we shuffle the deck randomly and deal the cards randomly as well.
This website has a simple interface with no distractions and can be played in full-screen mode. It also offers some hints in case you are stuck and you can undo your moves. You can play with no registrations or downloads.
3) Greenfelt
If you are a fan of minimalism, this is the website for you. No flashy colors, no distracting effects. Simple white background with realistic green cards.
This website may not have other versions of the game to play, but it has all you need if you are a fan of old school Solitaire games. Play a game with hints and a timer or scroll down to read all about Solitaire you need to know. There are even some tips for cheating!
There is not much left to say. If you are an efficient and simple person, this is where you can find your daily dose of Solitaire.
4) Brainium
This is possibly the most user-friendly Solitaire website. Customization is a big thing here, so you can switch and practically design the game layout yourself.
Change the background and card surface with anything you like. You can even upload your photos. In their own words, the ‘elegant effects and subtle sound effects’ are carefully crafted to enhance the game experience.
There are some downsides though. This version is only available on mobile and tablet devices. But that is compensated with useful hints, unlimited undo moves, and autosaves when interrupted.
5) Solitaire Play
If you feel you’ve mastered the classic game, it’s time to move on to different versions. Perhaps Golf Solitaire is the one.
Arranging the cards in piles is the goal, but this time it’s different. There are no dragging cards across columns, you just need to click on them to move from the stock. There are 35 cards in columns and the rest are in stock. First, be sure to make all the movements among columns and then go to stock.
Another different rule is that you can send any card to the pile, regardless of the suit. You can also change the ascending order to descending if you place a King on top of an Ace.