To remember:
- Originating in the Middle East, Solitaire has become popular in France, with several variants such as Spider and Klondike.
- The basic principle is to arrange a 52-card deck in ascending piles by symbol, with each variant introducing specific rules to diversify the game.
- Available on mobile and online, Solitaire lets you play alone or against other players.
Solitaire is one of the world's most popular games, first and foremost because it can be played under any circumstances: as its name suggests, only one player is needed. Originating in the Middle East, the game is said to have flourished in France under Napoleon, who is said to have played Solitaire during his exile on St. Helena.
Having arrived on computers in the 1990's, Solitaire has become very popular with French players, who are also big fans of card games such as belote and tarot. Here are the main variants to know and how to optimize your Solitaire game.
Solitaire, a game of strategy
Solitaire is a game that combines both history, rules and fun facts. Did you know that Solitaire is one of the most popular games in the world, with no fewer than 100 million games played every year on PC (according to Konbini)? That's hardly surprising, given that it was one of the main games on Windows, and that anyone with a computer since the 1990s has been able to discover the famous card game.
Whatever the variant, Solitaire is renowned for its simple rules Get rid of your 52 cards (for the majority) by creating a total of 4 piles (or columns) for each symbol (Spades, Clubs, Hearts, Diamonds), in ascending order from Ace to King.
Given the great resilience required to achieve success in Jeu Solitaire, it is sometimes associated with these 3 words: "Patience, Success, Solitaire". Of course, the rules differ from one version of the game to the next, adding extra spice to your game.
In the classic version of Solitaire, the player stacks the cards from the deck onto the tableau, arranging the columns of cards in ascending order of value. In the Klondike version of the Solitaire game, the player can move cards from the tableau to the foundation piles, respecting the order of suits and values, and can also draw new cards to continue playing.
The most popular Solitaire games
The basic rules of Solitaire apply to the majority of variants, which are generally distinguished by different methods (several cards drawn) or different orders (priority to certain piles or symbols). In the list of Google Play Pass games, vou'll find different versions of Solitaire in the Card Games category.
The Solitaire Spider is undoubtedly the best-known and most widespread. The player must transform several piles of cards into columns (each containing specific symbols), starting with the Ace. The aim is to create a sequence, preferably with the same suits. Perfect for beginners, this 1-card option is ideal for learning Solitaire.
In the same spirit, we find Klondike This is the game of Most popular free solitaire platforms. Easy to play, this is undoubtedly the most intuitive option, as it allows you to move cards between piles, before placing them in organized columns. Who hasn't drawn card after card to build their empire on Solitaire?
Finally, the Solitaire Pyramid is just as famous: the principle remains the same, the only difference being that you have to place your cards and make them "climb" in the form of a pyramid. It's a two-card variant that requires more thought and strategy to achieve, but is just as entertaining for seasoned Solitaire players.
What's the best variant of solitaire card games?
Faced with all these different types of game, you're probably wondering which is the best version?
Although Klondike is the most popular version in general, the spider occupies first place among the 2-card Solitaire variants. Its name derives from the 8 foundations the player must build to win the game, as spiders themselves have 8 legs. The odds of winning a game of Solitaire Spider are said to be low (around 1 in 3).
Solitaire Spider : Game of chance
Solitaire Spider uses 2 decks of cards. Depending on the difficulty level, you can play with one or more suits. The tableau is generally similar to that of Klondike, featuring :
- Batteries;
- A storage stack ;
- Foundations.
The aim is to build color sequences in the stacks, starting with the king and ending with the ace. The game becomes more difficult if you use more than one color.
Which variant gives the player the best chance of winning?
FreeCell is the variant with the best chances of winning, with a 99 % chance of winning every game. With the Pyramid, on the other hand, you have less chance of winning, with probabilities ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 %.
Another name for the solitaire card game
In Solitaire, the piles are organized into different card types, such as pegs, hearts, diamonds and clubs. When you play Freecell on Windows, you can draw cards from the deck and place them on top of the columns, in order of color and value.
The solitaire is also called "Success" or "The Gold Rush (The Klondike is the name of the Canadian region where a gold rush took place in the late 19th century. e century).
Play solitaire anytime, anywhere
Now it's possible to play solitaire on your mobile (smartphone or tablet), and enjoy hundreds of different versions. For example, you can play with two, three or even four cards for the Traditional solitairebut also for Solitaire Spider. Thanks to the digitization of games and their online evolution, it's now possible to compete against other solo players online, or to play solo, simply for the fun of it.
What's the point of the game?
To win the Solitaire, you must place cards on foundation piles in ascending orderstarting with the Ace. You must move the cards from one column to another on the board, following the placement rules and ensuring that the hidden cards are revealed as you go along.
If you wish to change the layout of the cards on the board, be sure to move the cards from one place to another, bearing in mind that some cards may be hidden and cannot be moved directly. Another common strategy in Solitaire is to hide cards. Players can hide certain cards by presenting their reverse side in another column, allowing them to be revealed later for use in the game.
What's so special about variants?
The game of Solitaire is not limited to a single version. There are many, such as Solitaire Golf, where the player attempts to match cards with higher or lower values than the card found on the board. Apart from card games, there are also Solitaire games with marbles, where you have to move marbles across a game board to make them fall into specific holes.
In the Pyramid version, the cards are arranged in the shape of a pyramid on the board. The aim is to remove pairs of cards whose values add up to thirteen. Removed cards are placed in a discard pile.
Originally created by a trainee bored (yes, it's true), the Solitaire is now an essential part of the online card gamesWhether you're on your mobile or your computer. The openness of gaming sites means you can train wherever you like, whether on public transport to pass the time of your morning journey, or to relax at the end of the day.
Whether you play the classic version, Pyramid, Golf or other Solitaire games, the objective remains the same: arrange the cards in columns in descending order. In any case, there will always be a Variant designed for your appetite for play and your level of resilience ! Want to try out other online games? Then read our guide to the best gacha of 2024.
