The loner is that game you've probably played on a lazy afternoon or when you needed a quick mental pick-me-up. It's engaging, a little challenging and has quite an interesting history. Let's explore the world of solitaire, from its beginnings to its rise in the digital age, and learn how to play it too.
The story of the loner
The history of the Solitaire is quite a puzzle. Many believe it began in Northern Europe, perhaps in Germany or Scandinavia. But there's also a strong belief that it was first played in France in the 1800s, and quickly became popular among the French nobility.
At the end of the 19th century, the loner had spread to England, then to the United States, where it continued to win new fans.
The solitary digital revolution
Solitaire could have remained a traditional card game, but the advent of technology changed that. As personal computers began to enter homes, Solitaire made its way onto computer screens. A big turning point was when Microsoft included it in Windows. Suddenly, this simple card game was accessible to millions of people worldwide.
Another online game that might interest you: Monopoly go, the legendary board game revisited for mobile. Discover our complete dossier on the game to know more.
Playing solitaire: the basic rules
If you're new to Solitaire or need a refresher, here's how to get started:
- Configuration : you'll need a standard pack of 52 cards. Divide them into seven columns, with the number of cards increasing from one in the first column to seven in the last. Only the top card in each column should be visible.
- The goal Your aim is to arrange all the cards in the foundation area, sorted by suit from Ace to King.
- Moving cards: This is where the game gets interesting. You can move the top card of any column to another card of a different color and higher rank. For example, you can place a red 4 on a black 5.
- Package processing : What about the rest of the cards that don't appear in the columns? These are your reserves. You can flip through them whenever you need to, but if a card doesn't fit anywhere, it stays out of play for the time being.
- Winning the game: you win when all the cards are correctly arranged in the foundation piles.
Fun facts about solitaire
Did you know that solitaire is more than just a game?
It's actually a term for various single-player card games, with over 500 different versions in existence!
There's even competitive Solitaire, where some players have completed games in under 25 seconds.
Solitaire and Microsoft :
Interestingly, Microsoft included Solitaire in Windows not only for entertainment, but also as a clever way of teaching new computer users how to use the mouse for drag-and-drop functions.
The loner and clairvoyance:
There's a slightly mystical side to Solitaire; it was once used for clairvoyance.
Ready to play online solitaire?
If this journey into the world of solitaire has piqued your interest in the game, you're in for a treat. There are many online platforms where you can enjoy a fantastic Solitaire experience for free. Many of these sites offer full-screen play as well as a variety of customization options.
You can customize the appearance of the cards and the background to suit your tastes. These platforms cater for everyone, from seasoned Solitaire players to beginners, offering endless hours of entertainment.
So why not jump online and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Solitaire?
Would you like to play other online games? Please read our guide to the best gacha of 2024.
