Solitaire is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. The game is known for its simplicity, as it is a solo gamer and as such, only requires one player and a deck of cards. However, there are countless variations of the game, each with its own unique rules and strategies.
In this blog post, we shall explore the top 5 most famous Solitaire variations. From the classic Klondike to the challenging Spider, these different types of Solitaire games will keep you entertained for hours on end. Whether you’re a seasoned Solitaire player or a beginner looking to learn the game, this post will have something for you. So, grab a deck of cards and get ready to play!
Top 10 Solitaire Game Variations
1. Klondike Solitaire
2. Spider Solitaire
3. Pyramid Solitaire
4. Freecell Solitaire
5. Tripeaks Solitaire
6. Yukon Solitaire
7. Golf Solitaire
8. Forty Thieves Solitaire
9. Canfield Solitaire
10. Addiction Solitaire
1. Klondike Solitaire
Klondike Solitaire is a popular single-player card game based on the classic Solitaire card game and is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The objective of the game is to move all the cards to the four foundation piles which must be built up in suit from Ace to King.
The player can move cards between the seven tableau piles located in the middle of the screen. The game can be won if all cards are moved to the foundation piles in the correct order. However, if the player is unable to make any more moves, the game is lost.
Overall, Klondike Solitaire is a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.
2. Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is a popular variation of the Klondike Solitaire. The game is played with two decks of cards, and the objective is to build eight stacks of cards (suit not important) in descending order from King to Ace.
The player can move cards between stacks but can only move cards that are in descending order and of the same suit. The game ends when the player has successfully built all eight stacks, at which point they win the game.
Spider Solitaire is a step up to the classic Solitaire game and requires strategy and patience but can be very satisfying when the player is able to successfully complete a game. The odds of winning a Solitaire Spider game are one in every three.
3. Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire ranks among the fun types of Solitaire games that combines the strategy of Solitaire with the added challenge of a pyramid-shaped layout. The objective of the game is to clear all the cards from the pyramid by pairing them up with cards that have a total value of 13. Each card in the pyramid is worth its face value, with the exception of Kings, Queens, and Jacks, which are worth 10, 12, and 11 respectively.
The game starts with 28 cards in the pyramid and is won by clearing all the cards from the pyramid. You lose if the player runs out of cards in the draw pile or cannot make any more matches. Pyramid Solitaire is a Solitaire variation with a twist that will test your strategic thinking skills.
4. Freecell Solitaire
Freecell Solitaire is played with a deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to move all the cards into the four foundations at the top of the screen. This popular game is based on the classic Solitaire game, but with a bunch of new elements that keeps you hooked until the very end.
Unlike the regular variation, one of the challenges in FreeCell is that you can only move one card at a time. This can make it difficult to plan your moves, and you may have to make several moves to get all of the cards into the foundations. However, with a bit of practice, you will be able to crack through the challenges card game and enjoy hours of fun.
5. Tripeaks Solitaire
Tripeaks Solitaire is played on a board that has three peaks of cards, hence the name Tripeaks. The objective of the game is to clear all of the cards from the playing field by matching cards that are either one higher or one lower in value than the card you are currently playing. For example, if you are playing a 9, you can match it with either an 8 or a 10. If you are able to clear all cards from the playing field, you win.
Tripeaks Solitaire is quite an addictive variation of Solitaire hat is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. The game is perfect for those who are looking for a way to kill some time and relax.
6. Yukon Solitaire
Yukon Solitaire is a classic solitaire card game but it’s fun and challenging at the same time. To play, deal seven tableau piles of cards, with the 1st pile having one card and the 7th pile having seven cards.
The top card of each pile should be face-up, with the rest face-down. To solve the game, you need to move cards between tableau piles by placing a card one rank lower and of a different colour onto a card.
You must build the foundation piles in suit from Ace to King. If you can’t make any moves, draw cards from the stockpile. The game is won when all cards are moved to the foundation piles. Yukon Solitaire requires strategy and patience, but it’s worth your time.
7. Golf Solitaire
Golf Solitaire’s name is said to be born from the fact that players aim to “play through” the tableau much like a golfer would play through a course. It is a challenging Solitaire game variation that is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
The game starts with a tableau of seven columns, each with five cards facing up. The remaining cards form the draw pile. The objective is to clear the tableau by removing cards one at a time. You can remove any card that is one rank higher or lower than the card on the discard pile, regardless of suit. For instance, if the discard pile has a 7 of hearts, you can play a 6 or 8 of any suit, or a 7 of any suit.
You can go through the draw pile three times, and you can use one of the three mulligans to put the top card from the draw pile onto the discard pile. The game is won when all cards are removed from the tableau.
8. Forty Thieves Solitaire
Did you know that this name comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? The game gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century, especially after it was included in the book “Hoyle’s Rules of Games” in 1974.
Forty Thieves Solitaire is a classic solitaire game variation that’s played with two standard decks of 52 cards each. The game starts with ten tableau piles of cards, with four cards in the first pile and each subsequent pile having one more card than the previous pile. The remaining cards form the draw pile.
The goal is to build eight foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King. You can move cards between tableau piles and build them down in alternating colours. You can also move cards to the foundation piles when they match the suit and rank of the top card of the foundation pile.
9. Canfield Solitaire
Canfield Solitaire is named after Richard A. Canfield, a famous American gambler who popularized the game in the early 20th century. Canfield Solitaire is a popular and challenging solitaire variation that’s played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The game starts with a tableau of four foundation piles and a reserve pile, which is where you draw cards to play.
The objective of the game is to move all the cards to the foundation piles in ascending order, starting with Ace and ending with King. You can move cards from the tableau piles to the foundation piles if they match in suit and are in ascending order. You can also move cards between tableau columns if they’re in descending order and alternate in colour.
10. Addiction Solitaire
Addiction Solitaire is a challenging variation of the classic solitaire game, also known as “Addiction,” “Dueling Peaks,” or “Monte Carlo.” Played with a standard deck of 52 cards, this game is a great way to challenge your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
The game begins with four rows of cards, with each row having one more card than the previous one. The remaining cards are placed in the draw pile. The objective is to move all the cards to the foundation piles, which are created by suit and built up in ascending order.
Like most standard Solitaire game variations, to move the cards, you need to select cards that rank higher or lower by one value than the current card on the foundation pile. You can also move cards between the rows to free up space and reveal hidden cards. As the name suggests, this one is a highly addictive Solitaire game variation.
Conclusion
So, here we conclude the list of the 10n most popular Solitaire variations available online. Solitaire is a popular game that can be enjoyed by all, and these variations will give you a variety of ways to enjoy the game and avoid monotony. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these variations will certainly give you a run for the money. So, sit down, zone in, and enjoy these cracking Solitaire variations!