Explore Different Types of Solitaire Games

We're sure that you have heard of the popular card game solitaire. For those of us who are old enough to remember a time before there was smart everything, the basic computer was what we had. On there, you would find solitaire, and likely spend time playing it, along with drawing in the most basic version of paint the world has ever seen.

But, not many people know much about the card game, other than that it's played with cards, and perhaps some version of the rules. What people don't often know is that there are many variations of solitaire, so it's not just one game with one set of rules like others out there.

If this sounds interesting to you, and you are keen to learn more about the various types of solitaire games, then you're in the right place. That's exactly what we are going to be discussing - so we've got your attention? Then let's get started.

What Is Solitaire?

For those of you that know you have heard of this game but you're not 100% sure what it is - it's a broad category of single player card games. Over the years, there have been many different variations of the game developed, each being slightly different from the last in its own way. With this, it means that not everyone may be talking about the same type of solitaire when they mention it, so if you start hearing rules that are different to the ones you know - now you know why.

The goal of solitaire is usually to organize the cards in some kind of order, but what the order is is going to massively depend on which variation you are playing.

It's important to note that there are some games of solitaire that are unwinnable due to the luck of the cards, or mistakes that have been made through the game. However, each variation is winnable when luck and skill are on your side at the same time.

What Variations Are There?

So, as you may have guessed from the title of this article, and the fact that we did just mention there are multiple types of games falling under the solitaire branch, there are, in fact, multiple variations. Now, we don't have time to go through them all, but we are going to go through quite a few that the majority of variations can be grouped under to give you a better understanding of each.

Klondike

Klondike is what most people will know as traditional solitaire, and it's generally the most common type played. This is the one that you may have been taught when you were younger, or the one that you found preinstalled on your computer when you were younger.

For this type, there are seven piles on the tableau with increasing cards, all of which are face up. It's down to you then to move cards in alternating colors and descending order, creating foundation piles and working from there until you win.

FreeCell

FreeCell is a firm favorite among most people because pretty much all deals are winnable, which is not the case for other variations of the game. This option is based on strategy, and your ability to critically think, and work out what is coming so that you can make the best possible moves right now.

The goal is to build foundations by suit - Ace to King, with all 52 cards to be dealt up, differing from other options. In this version, there are four free cells that you can use as temporary holding spaces, arguably making it easier.

Spider Solitaire

Spider Solitaire is a little more complex than its original, as the game uses two 52 card decks. The goal here is to build suits in descending order, and once a same suit run is completed it's then removed from the tableau.

Spider Solitaire offers a range of different difficulty levels, with one suit being the easiest, and four suits being the most challenging.

Pyramid Solitaire

If you are looking for something that is quick, and math based, Pyramid Solitaire could be the perfect choice for you. The premise of this game is to pair cards to total 13, at which point they are then removed. The cards are arranged in a pyramid which is why it is named as such, and you can play any uncovered cards.

There are a few odd rules in this one, such as a stock pile and a waste pile, and Kings being worth 13 on their own, so they don't need a pair like others.

TriPeaks

Also known as 'Three Peaks', this adaptation of the game has a unique tableau unlike any of the other variations. This is a fast-paced game in which matching is your goal, as you try to clear all of the cards on the tableau by playing a card one rank higher or lower than the card you're playing currently.

Sequences can go up or down in this variation, which makes it easier for casual players, and those who don't want to critically think about what they are doing. You tend to find this type played on mobile.

Canfield

Also known as Demon Solitaire, Canfield is easily mistaken for Klondike, but it's a lot more challenging. This makes it perfect for those who want a bit of an extra challenge, but don't want to use two packs of cards the way that Spider Solitaire does.

The tableau builds in alternating colors, and your goal is to build four foundations from a random base card that is dealt. You can also have a reserve in Canfield solitaire, acting as extra options for you.

Golf Solitaire

Golf solitaire may sound like a bit of a strange name, but it's named this way because of the low score that you need to achieve in order to win. You are unable to move Kings to Aces in this variant, and the goal is to move all of the tableau cards to the foundation by playing cards that are either one rank up, or one rank down.

On the tableau there will be seven columns of five cards, all of which are face up, which makes this another choice in which you start with all cards upwards.

How Many Are There?

To be completely honest with you, we do not know off the tops of our heads exactly how many variations of solitaire there are - but it's a lot. There are hundreds of variations that are known about, and that doesn't even account for the fact that some people may have made up their own and play by their own rules.

But, why are there so many? Well, the game originated in Europe, but as it spread out globally, each region started to put their own twist on it. With the foundation of solitaire being sorting order from chaos, this has inspired many developers and creators from around the world to create their own versions, and their own takes on this classic.

Which Are The Most Popular?

As you now know, there are so many different types of solitaire - some we have been through in more detail, and there are just far too many to go through individually. But, some of the most commonly played variations are:

• Klondike
• Spider solitaire
• FreeCell
• Pyramid solitaire

Each with their unique features, these have become the most popular options over the years. Klondike is the classic solitaire game, so it's no surprise that this is up there, right at the top. Spider solitaire is essentially just a more challenging version of the original, so once people feel as though they have mastered Klondike, or if they feel as though they would like a bit of a challenge, this is their next stop.

FreeCell is pretty popular for a number of reasons, but one of them is the fact that all the cards are face up, meaning that you can use your skills and knowledge rather than relying on luck throughout the majority of this game. So, for people who are more critically thinking based, and are more inclined to play a game that reflects this, then that's the option most go for.

So, there you have it then. These are some of the different types of solitaire games out there right now. We can't name and discuss every single type of solitaire that there is, but we hope that you feel as though you have a more solid understanding of some of the variants at least. If you're looking to get into playing this classic card game, then you should try out a range of different options, seeing which ones you like the best.

We do recommend starting with the most popular options, as they are the most popular for a reason. However, you may find that you like some of the less popular ones more, and that's okay, you just might need to do a little more research to find them.

DISCLAIMER: The games on this website are using PLAY (fake) money. No payouts will be awarded, there are no "winnings", as all games represented by 247 Games LLC are free to play. Play strictly for fun.