Are you still stuck in the 1990 era when Microsoft introduced Microsoft Solitaire with Windows 3.0? And did it soon become your favorite leisure time activity? Do you feel nostalgic and want to relive the excitement that comes along with playing a solitaire game? If your answer is yes, then you are not alone.
According to Microsoft, around 35 million people still play solitaire despite having many other popular games in the market. The reasons behind the ever-growing popularity of solitaire are its interesting gameplay, cognitive abilities development capabilities, and exciting features.
Solitaire is not a single game. It is a collection of various card games with different variations and features. Microsoft Solitaire had five variations when it was first introduced. However, many online sites offer to play solitaire where you can explore more than 500+ variations.
Yes, you heard it right! Solitaire is no more limited to Windows. Many online gaming sites also offer you an opportunity to dip into solitaire mania. So, you don’t have to stick with a PC for hours to quench your solitaire thirst. Sit on the couch, open chrome, find your favorite site, and let the fun begin.
If you need a suggestion, start playing solitaire with the basic variations.
Contents
1. Regular Solitaire
Regular Solitaire, also called Patience, Canfield, or Klondike, is the basic solitaire that most people know. However, it is one of the most difficult games, with a winning ratio of around 1 in 30. So, if you are thinking of trying it, you might eat some almonds to brush your mind because it is a game of skills, concentration, and deep focus.
The game begins with seven tableaus, each column having 1st cards face-up while the remaining cards are face-down. The right-most tableau contains seven cards, and other tableaus come with one card less than the previous one, so the last tableau only contains one face-up card. The rest of the cards are placed in a stack in the corner.
The game’s goal is to fill out the four foundation cells in ascending order, starting with an ace and ending with a King. It might be difficult initially, but once you get an idea of the game, you start loving it.
2. Spider Solitaire
The name Spider Solitaire comes from the concept of the eight legs of the spider and eight foundation piles that we have to fill to win the game. So, that’s why it is called Spider Solitaire. The game is different from all other variations: it is a two-deck game, and only Spades and Jacks are used – no red cards. The cards are arranged on the board in 10 columns, with four tableaus having one card more than the rest of the tableaus.
The game aims to fill up the eight foundation cells. To achieve this goal, the best way is to arrange a stack of cards in descending order from King to Ace in the tableau piles. Once the stack completes, it automatically flies to fill up a foundation pile. Initially, you might get overwhelmed with the number of cards, but don’t let it take hold of you. It is way too easy than Klondike. But don’t lose your concentration at all if you want to win!
3. Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire is slightly different from other solitaire games because of the card’s arrangement and the ultimate aim. The cards are arranged in a pyramid form with seven rows; all cards are face up. The lowest row contains seven cards, and the number of cards keeps on decreasing, going upwards with each row. It has a unique card formation, unlike your usual card game showdown.
The goal of the game is that instead of filling up foundation piles, remove the cards by pairing them so that they add up to 13. Only Kings can be removed without any other card because its value is itself 13. So, it is really King. You can cycle through the stockpile thrice to find a match for the cards. The good thing is that it is a fast-paced game. However, you can only enjoy the game if you know pyramid navigation tactics.
4. FreeCell
FreeCell Solitaire is one of the easiest solitaire variations. So, no wonder it is called the best for beginners. This game offers four free cells to accommodate tableau cards if it becomes difficult to navigate them. The aim of the game is similar to other games, such as Klondike and Spider. You have to fill out the foundation piles with four different card suits in ascending order.
Every card in FreeCell is exposed, so you know which card is placed where from the beginning. You don’t play in the dark without knowing the cards’ placement, unlike Spider or Klondike.
5. TriPeaks Solitaire
TriPeaks Solitaire is another game structured differently, like Pyramid Solitaire. Cards are structured in the form of three peaks, each peak containing six face-down cards. Moreover, ten face-up cards are lined at the bottom of three peaks. At the bottom are a stockpile and a place to keep discarded cards. The goal is to clear the tableau pile, unlike in Spider or Klondike.
You can discard a card only if it is one number higher or lower than the last card placed on the pile. It might sound like an easy game, but once you dive in, you find that it is not an easy feat. So, keep your mind switched and concentrate on winning the game.
Conclusion
Card games are the best option if you want some me time with a pinch of excitement. You not only get something exciting to spend your time on but also build your cognitive abilities, mental sharpness, concentration, and decision-making skills.
If you don’t know where to start, try out the basic solitaire game mentioned above. They are the best to kick-start your exciting solitaire journey. Once you have a grip, you can further try new variations with exciting gameplay. Let’s dive in