Once upon a time, Windows was in its infancy, and Microsoft needed to help users become proficient with using the mouse and the computer operating system. Pre-installing Solitaire (from Windows 3.0 to Windows 8) was the chosen way to bring that vision to reality. But why table games?
The developers at Microsoft likely knew that users or could easily learn how to play Solitaire due to the game’s popularity, straightforward rules, simple mechanics, and addictive nature. Solitaire games, especially Klondike Solitaire (also known as Patience), have since become one of the most popular one-person card games in the digital world.
This American casino guide explains how to play Solitaire, from basic rules and setup to popular variations and essential winning strategies.
How to Play Solitaire
While there are several Solitaire variations, the renowned version is Klondike. The objective is to build four foundation piles from a standard 52-card deck, commonly used for the top 10 popular casino card games.
According to Solitaire rules, you must sort the cards by their suit (hearts, diamonds, etc.) in ascending order, from Ace to King, to win.
Setup
Here is what the Klondike Solitaire setup looks like.
Tableau
The tableau consists of seven columns, between which you can move cards in alternating colors. From left to right, the first column contains one card. The second column has two cards. The number of cards in the subsequent column increases by one, up to the seventh column with seven cards, totaling 28 cards. Each column has only one card face-up for play.
Stockpile and Waste Pile
The stockpile contains the remaining cards (totaling 24), which you can flip over one at a time when you exhaust your tableau moves. Each flipped-over face-up card becomes the waste pile. You can play the top card of the waste pile onto the tableau or foundation piles.
Foundation Piles
You win the game after building the four foundation piles in ascending order, according to suits, from Ace to King. With an effective Solitaire strategy, you can move all cards to the foundation piles.
How to Play Solitaire: Step-by-Step Gameplay
Now that we know this card game setup, let’s look at how to play Solitaire with cards:
Step 1
Move cards between the tableau columns in alternating colors and decreasing in value (e.g., place a red 10 on a black Jack or put a red 6 on a black 7). You can place the Kings on empty tableau spaces. Move any available Ace to the foundation piles and continue building them by suit in ascending order.
Step 2
Draw cards from the stockpile (three at a time) and place them face-up in the waste pile. Then, move the top face-up card from the waste pile into the tableau or a foundation pile.
Step 3
Repeat these steps until you’ve moved all the cards into the foundation pile, bringing the game to a close.
Win or Lose
Similar to the Alaska solitaire guide, you win if you successfully move all the 52 cards into the four foundations, sorted by suit from Ace to King. However, you lose if you have no moves remaining (e.g., your stockpile is exhausted, or your tableau is locked). That’s how to play Solitaire.
Solitaire Winning Strategy
Below are a few Solitaire instructions to raise your winning chances:
- Just like in the best 2 player card games, avoid making random moves. Only make moves that reveal face-down cards, increase flexibility, or help you build the foundation.
- Keep cards in play unless you’re certain moving them to the foundation won’t limit your moves.
- Never rush to fill empty columns. Always fill them with Kings.
- Always build a long sequence in the tableau when possible. This approach will help you access hidden cards.
- Let go of Aces and 2s as soon as you can.
Solitaire variations
Aside from basic Solitaire, there are diverse variants, each with its own unique rules and strategy.
After you learn how to play Klondike Solitaire, here are other versions you can try.
Spider Solitaire
Uses two decks and 10 tableau columns. You have to learn the Spider Solitaire rules, as it is a more complex variant.
FreeCell Solitaire
FreeCell Solitaire is a skill-based version in which winning is purely a matter of strategy, not purely luck like some other one-player card games.
Pyramid Solitaire
Cards are laid out in a pyramid shape in this solitaire variant, and you remove pairs that add up to 13.
TriPeaks Solitaire
This variant involves building sequences up or down by one value to clear the board.
Double Solitaire
This is a social variant that involves two players racing side by side using their decks.
Mahjong Solitaire
This is not a card game but a tile game that involves clearing the board by matching identical tile pairs. It is similar to the Solitaire-Poker hybrid Pai Gow.
How A Clear Strategy Helps When You Play Solitaire
Solitaire is all about forming the correct foundation piles. Arranging the cards in the order of Ace to King is the most difficult part, but it is not impossible. Many people often win. Constant practice is what you need. Get started by playing card games via demos at Slots Paradise Casino.
FAQS
How to play solitaire games with a deck of cards?
Shuffle a standard 52-card deck and follow the basic layout: 7 tableau piles, a stock, and foundation piles.
How to win at Solitaire?
Reveal hidden cards early, prioritize emptying tableau columns, and manage your moves strategically to increase your chances of success.
How to play Spider Solitaire?
Build card sequences from King to Ace in the same suit across ten tableau columns using multiple decks.
How to play Double Solitaire?
Two players play simultaneously, using their decks to race and build complete foundations as quickly as possible.
How to play Mahjong Solitaire?
Match identical tile pairs to remove them from a stacked layout, clearing all tiles to win.
How to play Solitaire by yourself?
Set up the standard layout and follow solitaire rules; it’s a solo game by design.
How to play Solitaire for beginners?
Start with Klondike, learn the layout, follow the move rules, and focus on clearing the tableau.