What is Solitaire?
Solitaire, also known as Patience, is a card game that aims to arrange the cards in a specific order. Typically played as a single-player game; however, entertaining multiplayer variants are also available in which you can play with friends or other players online.
The origins of Solitaire are unclear, but the word derives from the Latin adjective "solitarius," meaning isolated or lonely. In the English language, the word first appeared around the 16th century. But, we also know that the earliest record dates from Northern Europe and Scandinavia in the late 1700s. From there on, we can trace the game in different parts of the world.
Before the invention of computers and the internet, Solitaire was only available if you had a card suit. Nowadays, you only need a mobile, tablet, or desktop device to play this game.
Solitaire's popularity can be attributed to its simplicity, accessibility and addictiveness. It is a game that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by millions worldwide.
What Are the Rules of Solitaire?
Solitaire is a card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The game's objective is to arrange the cards in four foundation piles, one for each suit (clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds), sorted in ascending order from Ace to King. The game starts with seven piles of cards on the table, with the top card face up.
Players can move cards between the piles, following specific rules. Cards can be moved to a tableau pile if they are one rank lower and of a different colour than the card at the top of the pile. For example, a red six can be placed on top of a black seven. Additionally, Kings can be moved to an empty tableau pile.
The game is won when all four foundation piles are completed. This means that each pile has all 13 cards of the same suit in ascending order, from Ace to King.
There are four different types of piles in Solitaire:
Tableau: Seven tableau piles make up the main table. Cards in the tableau piles can be moved between the piles or to the foundation piles.
Foundations: You must build a whole sequence of cards on four foundation piles. These are the piles where you will build up each suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Stock: The stockpile features the remaining cards not in the tableau piles at the beginning of the game. You can draw cards from the stockpile onto the tableau or the waste pile.
Waste: The waste pile holds cards from the stockpile with no place in the tableau.
You can only move the face-up cards in the tableau piles and symmetrically order them. You can also move a card to a tableau pile only if it's the opposite colour and one less in rank. For example, you can move a red six onto a black seven.
Best Solitaire Games
The most common versions of this game that feature all around the globe are:
- Klondike
- Spider
- FreeCell
- Yukon
- Tripeaks
- Klondike
Klondike is by far the most popular Solitaire version. Klondike Solitaire is widely believed to have originated in the Klondike region of Canada during the 19th century. The game gained widespread popularity when it was included in Microsoft's Windows 3.0 operating system in 1990. Maybe it has just dawned on you why this game has always been on your mind since an early age.
Spider
Spider Solitaire is typically played with two decks of cards, and the game's objective is to build eight foundations. The game is named after spiders due to the resemblance of the layout of the cards to spider legs. Players can choose the difficulty level by selecting either one or two decks.
FreeCell
FreeCell Solitaire is a popular version often compared to Klondike but is considered by many as the most strategic variant of the game. All 52 cards are dealt face-up at the beginning of the game, allowing players to plan their moves more effectively. Playing FreeCell can help players develop strategic thinking and hone their skills.
Yukon
Yukon Solitaire is a popular Solitaire variant similar to Klondike but features significantly different rules. The difficulty level of Yukon Solitaire is considered high, as the rules for moving the cards are challenging. Unlike other versions of Solitaire, no stockpile is available to players, and no help is provided during gameplay. Yukon Solitaire can be rewarding for players who enjoy a challenge and want to test their skills.
Tripeaks
Last but not least, we have Tripeaks Solitaire. TriPeaks Solitaire is a popular variant of Solitaire that features a tableau consisting of three pyramid peaks, and the objective of the game is to deconstruct the pyramids and form the four foundations.
How to Play Online Solitaire
Nowadays, thanks to the widespread use of the internet, players can enjoy Solitaire online. All you need is to find an online casino that features these games. Providing you have a stable internet connection, and you won't run into any more issues. At GoodLuckMate, we feature some of the best casinos that feature the excellent card game of Solitaire.
Once you access the game, you should place any available Aces from the tableau to the foundations. Then you need to look for twos that will follow the sequence. If you can’t move any more cards to the foundations, you must move around the cards on the tableau.
You can do that if the moving card features an opposite colour and is one number lower than the placed card. You can always draw three cards from the Stock when no more possible moves exist. You keep on moving cards until you fill up all four foundations.
Solitaire at Online Casinos
Apart from the regular fun play, you can also enjoy a game of Solitaire for real money. Some online casinos now feature this game.
All you need to do is find an online gambling site that offers this game and register an account. However, locating a legit online casino that offers this game can be time-consuming. That is why we recommend you enjoy Solitaire at reputable gaming sites like the ones listed below.
All of these online casinos come with remarkable features, and they all have at least one version of Solitaire. Below we will describe each of them so you know what to expect.
Spin Hill Casino
At Spin Hill Casino, you will find a wide selection of casino games, including two versions of Solitaire. One of them is the Retro Solitaire game from G Games. This game uses the standard 52-card deck and follows the basic rules. The second version is Casino Solitaire from the same software provider. This one has much better graphics, but the gameplay for both versions of the game is practically the same.
Playing these Solitaire games at Spin Hill Casino is safe and secure. This gambling site holds a license from the UK Gambling Commission and utilizes the latest 128-bit SSL encryption technology.
You can play Solitaire with real money, but you must first make a deposit. The casino features some of the most popular and fastest payment methods. You can even apply for a hefty bonus and use the extra funds to play a game of Solitaire.
Swift Casino
Next, we have Swift Casino, another great online gaming site where you can enjoy Solitaire. You will find the Casino Patience Solitaire version from Oryx Gaming in its diverse game library.
It is a super entertaining Solitaire game where you get five units for each card you place in a Suit. This version uses a single 52-card deck where you need to adjust four foundations. You won’t have any difficulties playing Casino Patience as it follows the same basic rules.
Also, you shouldn’t worry about your safety at Swift Casino as It holds a license from the UK Gambling Commission. These regulators ensure the platform is safe and secure for real money wagering.
This online casino features a very rewarding VIP program. You can collect points by playing Casino Patience and reach a higher level. You can enjoy many benefits from this loyalty program, including free bonuses, exclusive events, a dedicated account manager, etc.
Jackpot Paradise Casino
Jackpot Paradise Casino is another amazing online gambling site where you can enjoy Solitaire. It features only one game version in its big library, Casino Solitaire from G Games.
This Solitaire variant offers everything that you need from such a game. You can choose the bet amount that you want to place. Also, it comes with two side bets that you can use. Apart from that, the game rules are the same as the regular ones.
If you like to try out a different game, then at JackpotParadise Casino, you can browse all kinds of titles. The best software providers distribute incredible and diverse games to this platform.
You can also take advantage of some appealing promotions at this online casino. You can use these bonus funds on Casino Solitaire. It is also worth noting that JackpotParadise features licenses from the UK Gambling Commission.
Online Solitaire Tips
Despite being a super easy game to understand, mastering the game is an entirely different matter. Therefore, we've compiled a few tips to help you improve this super fun card game.
Learn the Rules
This might sound like a given, but you will be amazed how many people like to dive into the deep end without learning about the game beforehand. Logically, it is tough to succeed at a game without knowing the rules, so make sure you know all you can before spending your hard-earned money at an online casino.
Plan Your Moves Carefully
Before you make a move, take a moment to think about the potential consequences of that move. Consider which cards will be uncovered and the options available on your next turn.
Build Foundation As Soon As Possible
As soon as you can, start building foundations. This will give you a place to move cards to and help you clear the tableau.
Don't Get Stuck Trying to Make One Move
If you're unsure what move to make, don't get stuck on one option. Instead, explore different options and see which works out best.
