Solitaire is a timeless card game that has fascinated players for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a mental challenge or just an entertaining way to the time, it can provide just what you need. Nowadays, there are lots of solitaire variations available to play online for free, so you can constantly seek new challenges and never get bored.
After mastering the rules and playing the game many times, you may be successful in more and more sessions. But how to always win at solitaire? Is it even possible? Keep on reading to learn more about strategies and tips for playing solitaire games!
Key Takeaways
- Solitaire is a popular strategy card game first mentioned in a German game anthology in the 18th century.
- Patience and careful planning are essential for success in any solitaire game.
- Your strategy needs to be adjusted to the particular variety of the game you are playing.
- While playing solitaire online, use tutorials, hints, and the undo button strategically. You can also track your progress and customize your gameplay for the best experience.
- Solitaire is a great mental challenge, and whether you win or not, it helps improve your focus and problem-solving skills.
The Historical Context of Solitaire
Solitaire most likely originated from or Scandinavia. Its first recorded mention comes from the German book Das neue Königliche L’Hombre-Spiel, an anthology with rules for various games. There is a chapter calling this game Patience (which is an alternative name for this game still used in Europe) and describing it as a game between two people playing alternately.
Then, it evolved into a strategic one-player card game that is said to have been enjoyed even by Napoleon in his exile. Apart from the standard game, there are now over 500 variants, so you can constantly explore new challenges with different layouts and rules.
Some of them became popular when they were added to Microsoft Windows, and now, you can play most of the popular solitaire varieties online.
Tips for Solitaire Games
The European name for this game, Patience, refers to a universal tip that suits basically any solitaire variant. You need to be patient and carefully plan your moves to avoid missed opportunities or even blocking your further moves.
Take a look below for more solitaire tips adjusted for particular variants of the game:
Klondike Solitaire
Klondike Solitaire is the alternative name for the traditional solitaire game. It is played with a single deck of 52 cards, dealt into seven columns.
The objective is to build four foundation piles by suit, starting with the Ace and ending with the King. Cards in the tableau can be arranged in descending order and alternating colors.
Klondike Solitaire Step-by-Step Guide
- Deal seven columns, with one card face-up in the first column, two in the second (with one face-up), and so on.
- Start by moving cards from the tableau to build descending sequences by alternating colors (red/black).
- Transfer cards to the foundation piles, beginning with the Aces.
- Use the stockpile to bring new cards into play and clear the tableau.
- The game is won when all four foundation piles are built up from Ace to King.
Strategies and Tips for Klondike Solitaire
- Prioritize revealing cards: If you have multiple movement opportunities, choose the one column with the largest number of hidden cards.
- Build foundations with caution: Although the goal is to move cards to the foundation piles, you shouldn’t do this at the first opportunity. Sometimes, keeping lower-ranked cards in the tableau gives you more flexibility for building sequences.
- Empty a tableau pile only if you have a King to move: Freeing up a tableau pile is beneficial only when you have a King to fill it with, so leave your options open.
Focus on the tableau movements: Before you use the stockpile, make absolutely sure you can’t progress your game within the tableau. Leave the stockpile for the moments when you’re stuck.
Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is a much more complex variation, typically played with two decks of cards. Unlike Klondike, all cards are dealt face down in the tableau except for the top one.
The goal is to build complete sequences of cards in descending order from King to Ace, all in the same suit. When a sequence is completed, it is removed from the tableau. Spider Solitaire is known for its strategic depth, requiring careful planning.
Spider Solitaire Step-by-Step Guide
- Deal 10 columns with five cards face-down in each, except for the top card in each column, which is face-up.
- Move cards between columns to build descending sequences, regardless of suit.
- Aim to complete sequences of the same suit to clear them from the tableau.
- When no moves are available, deal an additional row of cards from the stockpile.
- The game is won when all eight sequences (if playing with two decks) are completed and removed.
Strategies and Tips for Spider Solitaire
- Empty columns quickly: One of the most crucial strategies in Spider Solitaire is creating empty columns as early as possible. They will allow you to reorganize the tableau and temporarily store cards, making it easier to complete suit sequences.
- Build in full suits: Whenever possible, build your sequences in the same suit. This makes it easier to move sequences to different columns and eventually complete a full sequence to clear it from the tableau.
- Create mixed sequences on higher ranks to reveal more cards: If you can’t build sequences in the same suit, create mixed ones to make it possible to unfold hidden cards.
Prioritize uncovering cards: Revealing cards will give you more movement opportunities, so if you have multiple options to move, choose the one that will eventually help you uncover the highest number of cards.
FreeCell Solitaire
FreeCell Solitaire is another popular variation in which every card is dealt face-up, meaning no luck is involved, and success depends solely on strategy.
The objective is similar to Klondike – building four foundation piles by suit – but FreeCell adds a twist by providing four empty “free cells” that can temporarily hold cards to help facilitate moves. This gives the player greater flexibility but requires careful planning.
FreeCell Solitaire Step-by-Step Guide
- Deal all cards face-up in eight columns.
- Use the free cells to temporarily hold cards while rearranging the tableau into descending sequences by alternating colors.
- Build foundation piles in the top right, starting with Aces.
- The goal is to clear the tableau by transferring cards to the foundation piles.
Strategies and Tips for FreeCell Solitaire
- Use free cells wisely: To maximize your options, aim to keep as many free cells open as possible. Filling up all free cells too early can severely limit your ability to move cards and create new sequences.
- Prioritize lowering high cards: High cards like Kings, Queens, and Jacks can often block smaller cards from being moved. Focus on creating empty spaces and moving these higher cards first, as they will allow you to free up lower-ranked cards for sequencing.
- Maximize tableau space: Just as in Spider Solitaire, empty columns are very helpful in FreeCell. Try to create empty tableau columns early in the game, as they provide flexibility in moving large sequences of cards.
- Think several moves ahead: Always consider the implications of your actions on future moves. Before you make a move, think about how it will affect the overall game and your ability to free up additional cards.
Don’t rush with building foundation piles: It may not be a good idea to transfer too many cards to the foundation piles too fast, as you may need them for building sequences and revealing hidden cards.
Tips for Playing Solitaire Online
Nowadays, you don’t need physical cards to play solitaire. You can find games transferring multiple variants of this game to the digital form and play them through your browser or app anywhere you are.
Here are some tips for online solitaire:
- Start with tutorials: Beginners should start with tutorials to familiarize themselves with the specific rules of each variation. Even experienced players can benefit from refreshing their knowledge of the rules if they haven’t played a particular game for a while.
- Use in-game hints when you’re stuck: Many online Solitaire games include hints that show you potential moves. While you shouldn’t rely on them too much, they can be a helpful way to spot opportunities you might otherwise overlook.
- Monitor your win rate: Watching your win rate can help you understand how well you’re playing and where you can improve. If your win rate is low in a specific variation, focus on refining your strategy for that game, or switch to a different one.
- Choose a suitable interface: Find card designs and backgrounds that are visually comfortable for you. A clean, clutter-free design can help you focus on the game without distractions.
- Use the undo button strategically: While it’s tempting to undo every mistake, try to use the button as a learning tool. See how far you can go without needing it, but don’t hesitate to go back if you’re really stuck.
The Bottom Line
We hope that using our solitaire tips will help you make the gameplay even more enjoyable and stimulating and, eventually, make more sessions successful. However, take into that even if you don’t win, play solitaire conveniently wherever you are!