The solitaire card game is said to have first appeared over 200 years ago. Presently, there are dozens of variations of solitaire, but the game was played with real cards well before computers were invented. And, while there are still some debates about who started playing the game first, one thing is sure: it makes users addicted. Such a result is quite surprising as it is the only card game with no special effects. 

But, what if nobody is around you, or when you are looking for ways to kill time when you are on your own? This is where casino solitaire card games come to your rescue. 

Agree or not?

Solitaire is something that keeps you entertained and offers hours of enjoyment. Since you are playing against yourself, the games tend to be less competitive, and you can play at your own pace. Choosing this game for your leisure is an excellent way to calm your mind. But, with so many variations to choose from, struggle which one to pick? Let’s look at the top 5 types of solitaire variations you can pick as per your preference.

Klondike solitaire 

This is one of the most popular versions of solitaire. Klondike solitaire is the version that most people know and love. It is also recognized as fascination and demon patience. Klondike casino solitaire, sometimes, is often mistakenly known as Canfield. In this variation, 28 cards are dealt face down to form a tableau which consists of seven columns of cards arranged on the table with the top card face up. The rest cards are placed face down to form the draw pile. The objective of the game is to build the four foundation stacks in ascending suit sequence from aces up through kings.

Spider solitaire 

In terms of popularity, spider solitaire is close behind Klondike solitaire. Spider solitaire is suitable for players of all ages. This is because the level can be modified just by selecting how many decks you want to include. Although it is a fun game, but by following some spider solitaire strategy, you can increase your winning chances. It gets its name from the fact that your goal is to make eight sequences of the same suit in order from Ace through King, which corresponds to the number of legs a spider has. 

In this version, there are no foundations. Two decks of cards are used. Once 54 cards are dealt out in a tableau of ten piles, the game begins. Columns of cards remain in the tableau until you line up an entire column of a suit in order, from King down to Ace, at the point from which they are removed from the game. But, if you run out of the moves, you can take fresh cards. The 50 cards that are left in the stock are dealt out 10 at a time.   

Freecell solitaire 

Freecell solitaire is a personal favourite of mine. A single deck of 52 cards are dealt face-up into eight columns at the start of the game. There is no leftover deck in this solitaire variant. There are four foundation piles that are set above the tableau piles. Like other variants, the aim is to build cards from each suit from ace through king in ascending sequence. However, in addition to these foundation piles, there are storage cells that you can use to temporarily store a card from every bottom column, and this is where the real fun of this variant lies. In the tableau, the cards are placed in alternating colours, and the sequences can be moved between columns - but only using available cells, whereas any card can be used to fill a space created in the tableau. 

Pyramid solitaire 

This version of casino solitaire is also known as Solitaire 13 or Pile of 28. It has very basic rules, and you can play each hand in a few minutes. This variation is perfect for those who have a few minutes to kill time. It also involves some tricky strategic thinking. The game is played with a standard 52 deck of cards. The objective of the game is to move pairs of cards that add up to the total value of 13 points from the pyramid down to the foundation pile. 

The game set-up includes arranging 28 cards face-up in a pyramid-shaped tableau of seven levels. The remaining cards become the stockpile. The pairs can be created from two exposed cards in the pyramid or by pairing a pyramid card with another card when it is drawn from the draw pile. In this version, the King is worth a point value of 13 points, the Queen is worth 12 points, the jack is 11 points, and the ace is 1 point. The remaining cards carry their face value. Once all the cards are paired as well as removed from the table, you win the game. 

Tripeaks solitaire 

New or experienced players can quite easily understand this game. This type of solitaire game is different from other card games. In this variant, you are trying to destroy pyramids or peaks rather than completing decks by number or suit. Tripeaks earned its name because of its unique layout of the cards. The game is played with 52 cards of deck. Tripeaks objective is to remove all the cards from the tableau. To do so, you must dismantle the pyramids by creating sequences of cards that must be lower or higher by one than the previous one, irrespective of the suit. For example, a 6 of Clubs can form a sequence with a 5 of Hearts or a 7 of Diamonds, and so on. 

The cards removed from the pyramid are sent to the discard pile. So, the top card of this pile becomes the base for the next sequence. If you run out of the move, you can use the stockpile and send a different card to the discard pile, which can be used as the sequence base. When all the cards in your peaks/pyramid have been put in the waste pile, you will win the game. 

So, there you have it - the list of most popular solitaire variations that you can play online. Don’t have a deck of playing cards lying around? You can online anytime, anywhere from the comfort of your home. So, ease your boredom while making your brain stronger, try these variations of solitaire. Strengthen your strategic skills, play solitaire for free  and have a great time at the same time!