Solitaire is a classic card game that has been around for centuries. It has become an enduring favorite for many players. The game of solitaire had humble beginnings as a game of patience, it has since then evolved into a genre all its own, with hundreds of variations and countless hours of entertainment. Whether you’re looking to pass the time, develop your strategy skills, or just unwind after a long day at work, solitaire games offer a wealth of options to suit any taste. In this article, we’ll explore solitaire 12 games that each have their own unique rules and challenges to give you new ways to enjoy this classic game at SubGame!
Learn all about the 12 best kinds of Solitaire and choose the best one for you!
Klondike Solitaire is one of the most well-known solitaire games, and is often referred to as "Canfield." The goal of the game is to move all of the cards to the four foundation piles in ascending order, beginning with the ace and ending with the king. The cards are dealt in seven piles, with the top card in each pile face up. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile, with the top card turned over to form a discard pile.
Cards must be placed on top of a card of the opposite color and with a value of one less than the card being played. For example, a red four can be placed on top of a black five. Players can also move groups of cards in descending order and alternating color to free up spaces in the piles.
Spider Solitaire is a more complicated version of Klondike Solitaire, with the added difficulty of having to deal with multiple decks of cards. The game requires two card-decks, with the goal being to arrange all of the cards in descending order in the piles.
The piles are formed by dealing out 10 piles of cards, with the top card in each pile face up. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile, with the top card turned over to form a discard pile.
Cards are maneuvered between piles and must be placed on top of a card of the opposite color and with a value one less than the card being played. Players can also move groups of cards in descending order and alternating color to free up spaces in the tableau piles.
Freecell Solitaire is a unique solitaire game in that all of the cards are dealt face up at the beginning of the game. The goal of the game is to move all of the cards to the four foundation piles in ascending order, from the Ace to the King.
Cards can be moved between the tableau piles, with the understanding that cards must be placed on top of a card of the opposite color and with a value one less than the card being played. Players can also move groups of cards in descending order and alternating color to free up spaces in the tableau piles.
Pyramid Solitaire is a solitaire game that is played with a deck of single 48 or 52 cards in the shape of a pyramid. The goal of the game is to remove all of the cards from the pyramid by matching pairs of cards that add up to 13.
The pyramid is formed by dealing out 28 cards in the shape of a pyramid, with the top card face up and the remaining cards face down. Players can remove cards from the pyramid by selecting two cards that add up to 13. Aces are worth one, Kings are worth 13, Queens are worth 12, and Jacks are worth 11.
Players can only remove cards that are not covered by other cards, and the game is over when all of the pairs of cards that add up to 13 have been removed or when no more moves are possible.
Scorpion Solitaire offers a unique spin on traditional solitaire games, using a single deck of 52 cards laid out in seven columns. Unlike other solitaires, most of the cards are face-up from the start, revealing their identities. Your mission is to create four descending sequences of the same suit, ranging from King to Ace.
The gameplay allows for more relaxed moving rules compared to its solitaire cousins, yet still demands keen strategy. You can move an entire sequence or even a partial one between columns to create new arrangements. The stockpile offers a limited reserve, with just one pass allowed, requiring you to plan your moves with precision.
Perfect for those who enjoy a good strategic challenge, Scorpion Solitaire merges foresight with the unpredictability of card games, providing a balanced yet riveting experience.
In Golf Solitaire, the object of the game is to move all of the cards from the seven columns to the only waste pile. The game is played with seven columns of cards, with the top card in each column face up. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile, with the top card turned over to form a discard pile.
The cards can be moved between columns if they are placed on top of a card of the opposite color and with a value one less than the card being played. Players can also move groups of cards in descending order and alternating color to free up spaces in the columns.
In Tripeaks Solitaire, the goal of the game is to move all of the cards to the foundation piles in ascending order, starting with the Ace and ending with the King. The game is played with three pyramid piles of cards, with the top card of each pile face up. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile, with the top card turned over to form a discard pile.
Cards can be moved from the pyramid piles to the foundation piles, as long as cards are placed on top of a card of the opposite color and with a value one less than the card being played. Players can also move cards to the discard pile, with the goal being to clear all of the cards from the pyramid piles.
Addiction Solitaire offers a fresh take on classic solitaire mechanics, focusing less on building foundations and more on reordering the tableau. Played with 48 cards divided into four rows, each row aims to represent a specific suit in ascending order, from two to king.
The game's challenge lies in the specific way you can move cards: they must be the same suit and exactly one rank higher than the adjacent card on their left. This captivating twist on traditional solitaire gameplay keeps you engaged as you exercise your strategic thinking and pattern-spotting abilities.
If you're looking for a solitaire game that dares to be different, Addiction Solitaire is an engaging alternative that promises to keep you hooked.
Crescent Solitaire sets itself apart with its unique crescent-shaped layout of 16 foundation piles. Your goal is to shift cards between these piles, which vary in their ascending and descending order requirements. The game adds a strategic twist by limiting moves to adjacent ranks within the same suit. For solitaire fans seeking a new challenge, Crescent Solitaire offers an intricate yet rewarding gameplay experience.
In Forty Thieves Solitaire, strategic acumen is key. With two decks and 40 cards laid across 10 columns, this solitaire variant offers a unique twist on classic rules. Your mission is to create eight foundation piles from Ace to King, but the catch is that only single cards can be moved at a time. If you're up for a solitaire challenge that requires meticulous planning, Forty Thieves is your game.
Vegas Solitaire injects an element of risk and reward into the well-loved classic solitaire game. While you're still arranging cards from Ace to King on your foundation piles, the game puts your skills to the test by restricting you to a single run through the deck. Each card play impacts your point tally or virtual bankroll, intensifying each move's significance. For those who crave an extra layer of challenge in their card games, Vegas Solitaire is the gamble you'll want to take.
Clock Solitaire might be the most varied of all solitaire games, in the sense that it is heavily reliant on luck. The game is played by placing the cards in a circle to represent the hours on a clock.
The game starts by placing the Ace of Spades at the top of the circle, followed by the two of hearts, the three of clubs, and so on, until all 52 cards have been placed in the circle like the shape of a clock.
Players then flip over the top card in the draw pile, and if the card matches the suit of the card at the top of the circle the player moves the card to the corresponding hour on the circle. The goal of the game is to move all of the cards to their correct position on the circle before the draw pile runs out.
While winning the game is difficult, it’s still loads of fun and a great way to change up the pace.
Solitaire is primarily based on skill rather than luck with the exception of a few games like Clock Solitaire. While the initial arrangement of the cards is randomized, the outcome of the game largely depends on the player's ability to strategize and make logical moves based on the cards available. A skilled player can often win games that a less skilled player would lose, even with the same starting layout. Though it can be argued that luck is still involved, as a poor initial arrangement of cards can make the game much more difficult to win. Overall, though, solitaire is considered a game that rewards skillful play over luck more often than not.
A skilled player can often win games that a less skilled player would lose, even with the same starting layout. Though it can be argued that luck is still involved, as a poor initial arrangement of cards can make the game much more difficult to win. Overall, though, solitaire is considered a game that rewards skillful play over luck more often than not.
While there are so many variations of solitaire with their own set of rules and strategy, the most famous game is Klondike. It is also referred to as “Patience” and the way it is played is often the basis for other types of solitaire.
Solitaire games give you a great opportunity to enjoy your free time and train your strategic thinking. Taking into account all these inspiring versions, there is sure to be a game that will suit your preferences and skill level.
The variations on this list are just a few examples of the many solitaire games available.
Whether you prefer traditional games or unique spinoffs, solitaire offers hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. So why not try out a new game today and see if you can beat your personal best score?
