Solitaire is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. It is a game that can be played alone or with others, and it is a great way to pass the time and exercise your mind. There are many different solitaire types, each with its own unique set of rules and strategies.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular types of solitaire games, as well as some lesser-known variations that you might enjoy trying out.
Klondike Solitaire
Klondike Solitaire is perhaps the most well-known and widely played version of Solitaire. It is the game that most people think of when they hear the word “solitaire.” The goal of Klondike Solitaire is to build four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, and the tableau consists of seven columns of cards, with the first column containing one card, the second column containing two cards, and so on, with the top card of each column face up.
To play, you can move cards between the tableau columns, building them down in descending order and alternating colors. You can also move cards to the foundation piles when they are the next card in the sequence.
When you can’t make any more moves, you can draw cards from the stockpile, three at a time, and use them to help build the tableau and foundation piles.
Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is another popular solitaire type that is a bit more challenging than Klondike. The game is played with two decks of cards, and the goal is to build eight foundation piles, each containing a complete suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
The tableau consists of ten columns of cards, with the top card of each column face up.
In Spider Solitaire, you can move cards between the tableau columns, building them down in descending order and same suit. When you have a complete run of cards in the same suit, from King down to Ace, you can move the entire run to one of the foundation piles.
When you can’t make any more moves, you can deal additional cards from the stockpile to the tableau columns. Spider Solitaire can take some time to lay out the cards. Fortunately, you can play it online or download an app.
It’s a great way to get acquainted with the game, and you can quickly play game after game with the cards automatically dealt for you. Moreover, you can see stats and how you improve at Spider over time.
FreeCell Solitaire
FreeCell Solitaire is another solitaire type that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its inclusion in many computer operating systems.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, and the goal is to build four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King. The tableau consists of eight columns of cards, with all cards face up and visible from the start of the game.
What sets FreeCell apart from other solitaire types is the use of four “free cells,” which are empty spaces that can be used to temporarily hold cards during play. This added element of strategy makes FreeCell a more challenging and engaging game for many players. Other games are available such as hearts as found here.
To play, you can move cards between the tableau columns, building them down in descending order and alternating colors. You can also move cards to the foundation piles when they are the next card in the sequence.
When you can’t make any more moves, you can use the free cells to help rearrange the tableau and create new opportunities for moves.
Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire is a unique solitaire type that features a pyramid-shaped tableau of cards and you can learn more here. The goal of the game is to remove all the cards from the tableau by pairing them up and removing them in pairs that have a combined value of 13.
For example, you can remove a 10 and a 3, or a Queen and an Ace, since a Queen is worth 12 points and an Ace is worth 1 point.
To play, you can remove pairs of cards that are both exposed, meaning they have no other cards covering them. You can also draw cards from the stockpile and use them to help create pairs with the exposed cards in the tableau. The game is won when all the cards have been removed from the tableau.
Golf Solitaire
Golf Solitaire is a fast-paced solitaire type that is easy to learn and fun to play. The goal of the game is to remove all the cards from the tableau by moving them to a single foundation pile. The tableau consists of seven columns of cards, with the top card of each column face up.
To play, you can move cards from the tableau to the foundation pile if they are one rank higher or lower than the top card of the foundation pile, regardless of suit. For example, if the top card of the foundation pile is a 7, you can move a 6 or an 8 from the tableau to the foundation pile.
