Solitaire

At exactly 3:17 PM, Emma's afternoon came to a pause. Another urgent message from her manager appeared in her inbox. She minimized the spreadsheet and opened Solitaire. The familiar green felt background brightened the screen. Taking a slow sip of her iced latte, the first shuffle felt like a soothing breath. Cards gradually shifted to the foundation piles, each small stack marking a minor victory. Outside, a freight train rumbled past, but she barely noticed, fully absorbed in the flow of aces and kings. A colleague came by with a question about quarterly goals. Emma smiled warmly, answered promptly, and returned to her game. Her tapping quickened, eager to finish before her fifteen-minute break ended. Her heart raced as the last card landed perfectly—a flawless win. Leaning back, she felt a satisfaction far greater than a simple card game could provide. Returning to her desk, she reopened the spreadsheet, which now seemed less intimidating.

One player commented, "Sometimes, a quiet moment with a deck of cards is all it takes to shift the mood of a long workday." Solitaire delivers that peaceful break, offering a chance to unwind from daily stress and focus on mindful card placement.

Solitaire is a classic card game where players organize all 52 cards into four foundation piles—one per suit—in order from Ace to King. Each card successfully placed brings a small feeling of achievement, similar to what Emma experienced during her break. The rules are straightforward for beginners. Keep reading to learn the basics.

Game Controls

• Click the stock pile (top-left) to reveal new cards
• Click or drag cards to move them between piles
• Double-click a card to automatically transfer it to its foundation pile if possible

Rules

• Build four foundation piles, one per suit (♥♦♣♠), starting with Aces and ascending to Kings
• Construct descending sequences on the tableau (seven central columns), alternating colors
• Only a King or a sequence beginning with a King can fill an empty tableau column
• Draw cards from the stock pile when no moves are available on the tableau
• Complete the game by moving all cards to the four foundation piles

How to Play Solitaire

• Begin by reviewing the visible cards on the tableau and waste pile
• Move cards by clicking or dragging; place red cards on black cards (or vice versa) in descending order
• Aces automatically move to the foundation piles once revealed
• After drawing from the stock, check if new cards can be placed on the tableau or foundations
• Only a King or a King-led stack is allowed in empty tableau columns
• Continue drawing and moving cards onto the foundation piles
• You win when all cards are arranged in the foundation piles from Ace to King

A Note on Superstition

Some players add a personal ritual to their Solitaire games. Before starting, they might make a simple wish—perhaps for success in an upcoming project or good weather. Tradition holds that finishing the deck means the wish might come true, while an unfinished game suggests trying again later. This optional custom can add a deeper meaning and more engagement to the classic game.

What is Solitaire?

Solitaire is a single-player card game played with a standard 52-card deck. The objective is to sort all cards into four foundation piles, one per suit, in ascending order from Ace to King.

How to Win at Solitaire

Victory is achieved by moving all cards onto the foundation piles. The game ends either when all cards are correctly placed or when no legal moves remain.

Is Solitaire a Game of Skill or Luck?

Solitaire involves both skill and luck. Strategic decisions like move order, timing of draws, and revealing hidden cards demonstrate skill. However, the initial shuffle adds an element of chance, as some key cards may be hard to access. Experienced players learn strategies to manage challenging layouts.

How Can I Improve My Solitaire Game?

Prioritize uncovering face-down cards and locating Aces and low-value cards early. Avoid clearing columns unless you have a King to place there. Use the undo feature to experiment with different moves.

What is the Difference Between Draw 1 and Draw 3?

• Draw 1: Reveals one card per click, making the game easier to track
• Draw 3: Shows three cards per click, but only the top card may be played, increasing difficulty

Can I Reverse Moves?

Yes. The undo button allows you to revert your last move, while redo restores it. These controls help in planning and adjusting strategies.

Is Solitaire Free to Play?

Solitaire is entirely free to play. No registration or downloads are needed—simply load the game and start playing.

Do I Need an Internet Connection?

An internet connection is required to play the online version.

Can I Play on Mobile Devices?

Yes. The game is fully responsive and works smoothly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, supporting both touch and mouse controls.