Solitaire is a word used to describe a type of card game played by a single player. There are many variations of Solitaire, each with its own set of rules. Some solitaire gameplays are more difficult than others, so players of all skill levels and all ages can enjoy them.
In general, the goal of Solitaire is to rearrange a shuffled deck into a certain order – by suit and rank. We must move cards among piles or columns with the final goal to create four foundations, each comprising cards in ascending or descending order, from Ace to King.
If you are looking for a fun and challenging card game to play on your own, Solitaire is a great option.
1. Klondike Solitaire
Klondike is a classic version of the game played with a standard 52-card deck. The goal is to build four foundations by suit, starting with the Ace and ending with the King. The deck is dealt with some cards facing up and the rest facing down arranged in seven columns. The plates can then start creating foundations by moving face-up cards in a certain order.
You win the game when all cards from the deck have been turned face up and rearranged in piles.
Klondike can be a difficult game but it is also rewarding to see foundations slowly being created as you progress through the deck.
2. Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is a popular variation of Solitaire, and the same basic rules of the games apply. The goal remains the same – to arrange all the cards from the deck in the correct order with limited movements.
What makes this version a bit more complicated is using two decks. By doubling the number of cards, the gameplay can become tricky. But if you feel you are not skilled enough yet, you can play a simpler version, where all the cards in the game are of the same suit. As your skills progress, you can move onto the Intermediate level with two-suit decks and later on to the Advanced level with two four-suit decks.
3. FreeCell
Remember the rules we learned from the two versions above? Well, those will also come in handy with this Solitaire version.
What makes the difference here is that next to the columns, there are some free rows that can be used occasionally for placing cards. This can be very useful and make the game easier. Still, don’t forget to be careful about your moves since you can easily get stuck with no movements. Plan ahead, use your strategy and build those foundations.
4. Forty Thieves Solitaire
A version of Solitaire played with two decks, but its name reveals something about the gameplay. Number 40 comes from the number of cards dealt at the beginning of every game.
This is also a base version that has many variations and most of them make the game easier.
The more versions we list, the more complicated the rules are. In this version, the layout is different. There are different sections and a center with 10 unmarked columns. The usage of the columns depends on the game’s progress.
Take your time and read the rules thoroughly. Also, be sure to have some previous Solitaire experience beforehand.
5. Golf Solitaire
Let’s take a break. This variation of the game is simple to understand and quick to play. There are also some features that make it even easier. For example, in some versions of Golf Solitaire you can place a King on top of an Ace.
The goal is to empty all the cards into the fountain. Also, not all the cards have to be used in order to win.