Arrange cards by suit and rank. The goal is to build complete sequences from Ace to King in all four foundation piles, one for each suit.
Solitaire (also known as Klondike or Patience) is one of the most popular single-player card games in the world. The objective is to build ordered sequences from a shuffled deck using logical moves and strategic thinking. While seemingly simple, the game requires serious planning and foresight to successfully complete.
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How to Play
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Cards are dealt into seven columns (the tableau), where the first column has 1 card, the second has 2, and so on, with the seventh having 7 cards. In each column, only the top card is face-up, while the rest are face-down.
Main game elements:
- Tableau: 7 columns where you arrange the cards
- Foundation: 4 spaces in the upper corner where you build the final sequences
- Stock: The remaining cards that you can flip through
- Waste: The place for cards flipped from the stock
Gameplay:
In the tableau columns, cards must be placed in descending order and alternating colors (red-black-red). For example, a red 7 can be placed on a black 8, then a black 6 on that, and so on.
Cards must be moved to the foundation piles in ascending order from Ace to King, by suit. When all cards are removed from a tableau column, only a King can be placed in the empty space.
Card Types
A standard French deck contains 52 cards:
Number Cards (40 cards)
- 2 through 10 in each suit = 36 cards
- Ace in each suit = 4 cards
Face Cards (12 cards)
- Jack – 4 cards
- Queen – 4 cards
- King – 4 cards
Suits (4 types)
- ♠ Spades – black
- ♥ Hearts – red
- ♦ Diamonds – red
- ♣ Clubs – black
Winning Probability & Difficulty
⚠️ Not all Solitaire deals are winnable!
The probability of winning depends on the deal, strategy, and rule variant (draw 1 or draw 3).
Average winning rates for experienced players:
30-45%
Draw 1 Mode
One card at a time, easier
5-15%
Draw 3 Mode
Three cards at a time, harder
Why Play Solitaire?
Solitaire is perfect for anyone seeking quick, thought-provoking entertainment.
- Endless replayability with different deals
- Ideal for short breaks or extended gaming sessions
- Simple rules, yet challenging gameplay
- Improves logical thinking and planning skills
- Relaxing, stress-free gaming experience
- Available everywhere – from physical cards to digital devices
Strategy Tips
Always Look Ahead
Before making a move, think through its consequences and future implications
Don’t Rush to Foundations
Sometimes it’s more useful to keep cards in the tableau for additional moves
Empty Columns Are Valuable
Try to create empty columns as they provide greater flexibility and movement options
Reveal Hidden Cards
Prioritize moves that uncover face-down cards to see more options
Kings Are Strategic
Plan ahead before moving Kings, as they can only go in empty columns
Use the Undo Feature Wisely
Learn from mistakes and experiment with different move sequences
History & Origins
European Beginnings
Solitaire card games date back to the late 18th century in Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and France, where they were known as “Patience” games.
Klondike Gold Rush
The specific variant we know as Solitaire today gained its “Klondike” name during the 1890s gold rush in Canada’s Yukon Territory, though the exact connection remains unclear.
Digital Revolution
Solitaire exploded in global popularity when Microsoft included it in Windows 3.0 in 1990. It became one of the most-played computer games ever, introducing millions to digital gaming.
Cultural Impact
The game has become synonymous with computer breaks and casual gaming. It’s estimated that hundreds of millions of games are played daily worldwide across all platforms.
Is the Game Free?
Yes, the classic Solitaire game is available for free with multiple difficulty options. The game can be expanded with premium content featuring:
- Additional game variants (Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid)
- Custom card deck designs and themes
- Daily challenges and special events
- Advanced statistics and achievement tracking