Into the realm of Solitaire: The classicremains one of the most beloved computer games to date… and here’s how and why you should play
While it’s been over 30 years since Solitaire was launched, the game is alive and well.In fact, it is safe to say that Solitaire is the most popular video game of all time, with many players enjoying the game.
Anyone, regardless of their age, can choose a Solitaire game to play on SubGame, whether it’s FreeCell Solitaire, Spider Solitaire or Mahjong Solitaire.
During pre-internet times, the only entertaining thing to do on a computer was to play Solitaire, so it’s easy to understand why it was popular back then.
And yet, its appeal is still strong in the modern era – even if many new video games have been developed. So, why is that so?
Well, it’s simple: you can have hours of fun when playing Solitaire on your phone, computer, or tablet.
The accessibility, challenge, different playstyles, and, of course, the fact that you can play it for free are just some factors that make Solitaire such a legendary game.
Solitaire’s Rules: How to Play the Game
What’s great about Solitaire is that you can play it solo – this means you don’t have to wait until your friends are free to play with you!
As mentioned, there are different game variations, but here, we will discuss the rules for Klondike, the classic version of Solitaire.
The objective is to complete four piles of cards in ascending order (namely, beginning with the Ace and ending with the King).
To set up the game, you have to use a 52-card deck, shuffle it and deal out seven tableau piles as follows: a card from the first pile, two cards from the second pile, and so on, until you get to the seventh pile. The remaining cards need to be placed face-down, forming the draw pile.
As for the gameplay itself, the rules are as follows:
The card at the top of each tableau pile should be face-up, while the other cards should be face-down;
After ensuring the cards are organized correctly, you must place them on a tableau pile in descending order by considering alternating colors (for example, you can place a red six on a black seven). If a sequence of cards meets the previous criteria, they can be moved together. When a tableau pile is empty, you can either fill it with a King or a sequence of cards that start with a King;
You should turn the cards from the draw pile over each one at a time – pay attention if there are any cards that you can move to the foundation or the tableau;
When there are no moves left with the draw pile or on the tableau, deal a new set of cards from the draw pile;
Keep moving cards and dealing additional sets until you meet your objective and place all the cards in the foundation piles or until no moves are left.
Mastering Solitaire: Key Strategies to Win the Game
Solitaire may be a game that many individuals played during their childhood; however, by no means does that make it a child’s game. To win, you must play strategically, which can be tricky! But fret not: we’ve got some great tips to help you master Solitaire and win your next game:
Be a good observer: Before making a move, you should take the time to look at the table – this can play a huge role in succeeding at Solitaire, as it will allow you to create an early strategy. Suppose you play a multiplayer version of the game. In this case, the secret is to carefully pay attention to your adversaries and try to predict their next moves.
Take advantage of Aces and Twos: If you draw an Ace or a Two, you should play them right away. Not only are they the foundations, but they can help you uncover different cards. This strategy is critical when playing the Klondike version of Solitaire, as you have to move cards quickly to dominate the game.
Move your kings strategically: Kings are among the primary cards of the game, and that’s because they are the only ones allowed to occupy free tableau spaces. With this in mind, consider saving a spot for a King in advance so that when the card presents itself, you can ensure the spot remains empty, thus taking advantage of extra opportunities.
Color-code your moves: It can be challenging to decide whether to fill a spot with a black King or a red one. The color of the King matters greatly, as it dictates the pile’s color order and the suit itself. This means that once you make a move, you are stuck with it until the game ends! So, carefully consider this aspect and take some time to observe all the face-up cards. This will give you an idea of what suit provides you with more options for moves, helping decrease the possibility of getting stuck when trying to accomplish the game’s objective.
Don’t empty spots unless you have a King: It makes no sense to eliminate the cards from the available spots if you haven’t created a plan beforehand. Just think about it: if you empty the spots without having a King to fill them, they will stay void, which will impede the entire play section – and that’s surely not something you want!
Always remember the golden Solitaire rule: This is a basic strategy that all amateur players should keep in mind no matter what. Whenever you have to decide whether to liberate a face-down card or pick a card from the deck, always go for the former. This is because having more cards uncovered increases your chances of finishing the game – pretty logical, right?
The bottom line
Solitaire is a beloved pastime, and it’s easy to understand why: the game is challenging and rewarding at the same time, translating into a great way to relax after a demanding workday and take your mind off things when you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities.
Besides, playing Solitaire is a great workout for your brain, improving your focus, coherent reasoning, and critical thinking abilities.
If you haven’t played Solitaire before, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself into this fascinating game, and you’ll develop excellent life skills!
While it’s been over 30 years since Solitaire was launched, the game is alive and well. In fact, it is safe to say that Solitaire is the most popular video game of all time, with many players enjoying the game.