Solitaire Explained
Solitaire, also known as Patience in some parts of the world, is a card game that can be played by a single player. It involves a deck of 52 cards and the objective is to move all the cards to a foundation where each suit is stacked in ascending order, from Ace to King.
How Many Cards Are in Solitaire?
In a standard game of Solitaire, all 52 cards of a deck are used. The game begins with 28 cards arranged into seven piles on the tableau, with the number of cards increasing from one to seven from left to right. The remaining cards form the stockpile.
The Tableau
Shuffling the Deck
Before you start the game, shuffle the deck thoroughly to ensure randomness in the game. This helps in making each game unique and challenging.
Deal Cards in 7 Rows
After shuffling, seven piles of cards are dealt on the tableau. The first pile on the far left has one card, the second pile has two cards, and so on, until the seventh pile which has seven cards.
Turn the Last Cards Face Up
In each of these piles, only the top card is face up, while the rest are face down. This means that in the first pile you will have one face-up card, in the second pile one face-up card and one face-down, in the third pile one face-up card and two face-down, and so on.
The Stock Pile
The remaining cards after setting up the tableau form the stockpile. These cards are kept face down and are used as the game progresses.
The Talon Pile
When you can't or choose not to make any more moves on the tableau, you draw cards from the stockpile to the talon pile. In most Solitaire games, you draw one card at a time, but some variations allow three cards to be drawn at once.
The Foundation
The ultimate goal of Solitaire is to move all cards to the foundation, where each of the four suits is stacked in ascending order from Ace to King.
How To Set Up Various Solitaire Variations
While the standard Solitaire game is widely played, there are numerous variations of the game that offer different levels of complexity and require different strategies. Here are a few popular ones:
How To Set Up 2-Deck Solitaire
In 2-Deck Solitaire, also known as Double Solitaire, two decks are used instead of one. The setup is similar to standard Solitaire, but with nine piles on the tableau instead of seven. The game is more challenging due to the increased number of cards.
How To Set Up the Spider Version
Spider Solitaire is a popular variant that uses two decks. The game starts with ten piles of cards on the tableau, all face down except for the top cards. Unlike standard Solitaire, the goal is to arrange all cards of the same suit in descending order from King to Ace on the tableau itself.
How To Set Up the Joker Solitaire
Joker Solitaire, also known as Joker's Solitaire, includes two Jokers in addition to the standard deck. The Jokers can be used as wild cards to stand in for any other card. The game setup is similar to standard Solitaire, but with the added twist of the Jokers.
How To Set Up the Free Cell Solitaire
FreeCell Solitaire is a variant that includes a tableau of seven piles and four free cells. All cards are dealt face up at the beginning of the game. The free cells can be used to temporarily store cards while you
are building the piles on the tableau in descending order and alternating colors.
Other Popular Solitaire Games
Spider
Spider Solitaire is a challenging version of the game that requires two decks of cards. The objective is to arrange all cards of the same suit in descending order from King to Ace on the tableau.
The game starts with ten piles of cards, all face down except for the top cards. Spider Solitaire requires strategic planning and is considered one of the most difficult Solitaire variations.
FreeCell
FreeCell Solitaire is a unique variant that includes a tableau of seven piles and four free cells. All cards are dealt face up at the beginning of the game.
The free cells can be used to temporarily store cards while you are building the piles on the tableau in descending order and alternating colors. The game requires careful planning and strategy, but unlike many other Solitaire games, most FreeCell games can be won with the right strategy.
Beleaguered Castle
Beleaguered Castle Solitaire is a challenging and intriguing variation of Solitaire. The game begins with four cards dealt to form a castle in the center, and the remaining cards are dealt around the castle. The objective is to build eight foundations in ascending order from Ace to King. The game requires a good deal of strategy and patience.
Yukon
Yukon Solitaire is a popular variant that combines elements of traditional Solitaire and FreeCell. The game starts with seven piles of cards on the tableau, similar to standard Solitaire, but with all cards face up. The twist is that groups of cards can be moved together, even if they are not in sequence. This adds a new level of strategy to the game.
Forty Thieves
Forty Thieves Solitaire is a challenging variant that uses two decks of cards. The game starts with 40 cards dealt into ten piles on the tableau, hence the name. The goal is to build eight foundations in ascending order from Ace to King, by suit. The game requires careful planning and a good deal of strategy.
The Wish
The Wish is a unique Solitaire variant that starts with 12 piles of four cards each on the tableau. The objective is to move all cards to the foundation, building up from Ace to King in each of the four suits. The game is named "The Wish" because it is said that if you can win, your wish will come true.
Accordion
Accordion Solitaire is a fun and challenging variant that uses a single deck of cards. The game starts with all cards laid out in a line.
The objective is to compress the entire deck into one pile following specific stacking rules. As the name suggests, the game plays out much like an accordion, expanding and contracting until you hopefully end up with a single stack of cards.
Bowling Solitaire
Bowling Solitaire is a unique game that combines elements of bowling and Solitaire. The game uses a standard deck of cards but with a different setup and scoring system that mimics a game of bowling. It's a fun and interesting twist on traditional Solitaire.
Kings in the Corner
Kings in the Corner is a multiplayer Solitaire game that can be played by two to four players. The game starts with a shared tableau and each player has their own deck of cards. The objective is to be the first to play all of your cards into the shared tableau. The game is fast-paced and requires both strategy and luck.
Solitaire Game Rules
Solitaire, also known as Patience, is a single-player card game that uses a standard deck of 52 cards. The objective of the game is to organize the deck of cards into four piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King. Here are the basic rules for playing Solitaire:
01. Setup: Begin by shuffling the deck. Deal seven piles of cards face-down on the table. The first pile should have one card, the second pile two cards, and so on, up to the seventh pile which should have seven cards. Then, turn the top card of each pile face-up so it is visible.
02. Gameplay: The game is played by moving cards between the piles, with the aim of uncovering the face-down cards and eventually moving all cards to the foundation.
Only the top card of each pile can be moved. In the tableau, cards must be placed on a card of the opposite color and next highest rank. For example, a black 6 can be placed on a red 7.
03. Stock and Waste Pile: The remaining cards after the tableau setup form the stockpile. Cards from the stockpile can be revealed (usually three at a time) and if possible, played onto either the tableau or foundations. The pile created by drawing cards from the stockpile is known as the waste pile.
04. Foundations: The four foundations are piles where entire suits are built in ascending order, starting with the Aces. The game is won when all cards have been moved to the foundations, each pile stacked from Ace to King of the same suit.
05. Moves: Only the top card of each pile in the tableau (or a stack of cards in descending order and alternating color) can be moved to another pile in the tableau, or directly to the foundation.
A card (or stack of cards) can only be moved to a pile in the tableau if it is of the opposite color and one rank lower than the card it is being placed on. Empty tableau spaces can be filled with a King.
06. Winning the Game: The game is won when all cards are moved to the foundations, with each suit stacked in ascending order from Ace to King.
History of Solitaire
The origins of Solitaire, also known as Patience, are somewhat shrouded in mystery. The game is believed to have originated in Europe, with some sources suggesting it was first played in Scandinavia or Germany.
The first known solitaire game rules were recorded during the Napoleonic era in France.
It's speculated that the game was named "Patience" because it requires a good deal of it to complete a game.
Solitaire gained popularity in France in the early 19th century and was introduced to England by Lady Adelaide Cadogan through her Illustrated Games of Patience, published in 1870.
The book was reprinted several times and became the standard reference on solitaire in England.
In the United States, solitaire became popular in the mid-19th century, and by the end of the 19th century, numerous books were published featuring rules for multiple variations of the game.
It was often played by prospectors during the Gold Rush and by pioneers on the frontier to pass the time.
The game's popularity soared in the late 20th century when it was included as a standard game in Microsoft Windows, starting from Windows 3.0 in 1990. This digital version of Solitaire introduced the game to millions of people who might not have played it otherwise.
It was reportedly included in the Windows operating system to help people learn how to use a mouse, demonstrating the drag-and-drop technique required in the game.
Today, Solitaire remains one of the most popular card games, played by millions of people around the world. It has evolved into countless variations, each with its own rules and strategies, and is enjoyed both as a physical card game and in digital form on computers and smartphones.
Custom Decks for Solitaire
While Solitaire can be played with a standard deck of cards, there are also custom decks available that can add a unique twist to the game.
These decks often feature special artwork or designs, and some even have modified rules or additional cards for new Solitaire variations.
Whether you're a Solitaire enthusiast looking for a new challenge or a casual player wanting to spice up your game, a custom deck can make your Solitaire experience even more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solitaire and Custom Decks
Solitaire, a classic card game that has been a favorite pastime for centuries, continues to captivate players around the world with its simple yet strategic gameplay.
Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, there are always new aspects to explore and questions to be answered.
In this section, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about Solitaire, providing insights that will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the game.
Let's delve into the fascinating world of Solitaire.
Can I play Solitaire with a custom deck of cards?
Yes, you can play Solitaire with a custom deck of cards as long as it has the same number of cards as a standard deck (52 cards). The deck should also have four suits with each suit containing 13 cards from Ace to King.
Are there any Solitaire games that require more than one deck?
Yes, there are several variations of Solitaire that require more than one deck. For example, Spider Solitaire typically requires two decks, and Forty Thieves Solitaire requires two decks. Always check the rules of the Solitaire variation you're playing to know how many decks you need.
What happens if I run out of moves in Solitaire?
If you run out of moves in Solitaire and there are no more cards to draw from the stockpile, then the game is over and you have lost. The goal of Solitaire is to move all cards to the foundation, so if you can't make any more moves, you cannot achieve this goal.
Can every Solitaire game be won?
No, not every Solitaire game can be won. Depending on the shuffle of the deck and the decisions you make during the game, it's possible to reach a point where no more moves can be made. Some estimates suggest that about 80-90% of Solitaire games are winnable, but winning requires strategy and sometimes a bit of luck.
Are there any strategies for winning at Solitaire?
Yes, there are several strategies that can increase your chances of winning at Solitaire. For example, it's usually a good idea to only make moves that will expose a hidden card, to always move an Ace or 2 to the foundation whenever possible, and to try to turn over the cards in the stockpile as a last resort.
How Many Rows Are in Solitaire?
In a standard game of Solitaire, there are seven rows, or piles, of cards on the tableau. These rows are arranged in a cascading manner, with each row containing one card more than the row before it. The first row on the far left has one card, the second row has two cards, and so on, up to the seventh row which has seven cards.
How to Deal Solitaire?
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to deal cards for a game of Solitaire:
Shuffle the Deck: Start by thoroughly shuffling a standard deck of 52 cards.
Deal the Tableau: Begin dealing cards face down from left to right into seven piles on the tableau. The first pile should have one card, the second pile two cards, and so on, until the seventh pile has seven cards.
Turn the Top Cards Face Up: After dealing the tableau, turn the top card of each pile face up. The rest of the cards in each pile remain face down.
Create the Stock Pile: The remaining cards in the deck after setting up the tableau form the stock pile. These cards are kept face down and are drawn from as the game progresses.
Remember, the goal of Solitaire is to move all cards from the tableau and the stock pile to the foundation, building up each suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Conclusion
Solitaire is a versatile and engaging card game that has stood the test of time. Its numerous variations provide endless challenges and require strategic thinking.
Whether you're playing the standard Solitaire, Double Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, Joker's Solitaire, or FreeCell Solitaire, the game offers a perfect blend of luck and strategy.
So, shuffle the deck, deal the cards, and enjoy the game!
