Solitaire has entertained card players for centuries, and today there are dozens of playable versions—each with its own rules, difficulty level, and appeal. Whether you're looking for a quick mental exercise or a longer strategic challenge, understanding the different types helps you find the game that fits your mood and skill level.
All solitaire games share one core idea: you play alone against the deck, arranging cards according to specific rules until you either win (called "going out" or "clearing the board") or run out of legal moves. Beyond that foundation, variations differ in:
These differences mean some games reward pure luck, while others demand strategy and planning.
Klondike is what most people mean when they say "solitaire." You deal cards into seven columns of increasing height, then build sequences in descending order (King down to Ace) using alternating colors. Cards face-down in each column flip as you clear cards above them. The goal is to move all cards to four foundation piles (one per suit), built from Ace to King.
Klondike requires both luck and strategy. The difficulty depends partly on the initial shuffle, but your choices about which moves to make first can determine whether you win.
FreeCell is notably more skill-based than Klondike. You start with all 52 cards visible on the tableau, and you have four "free cells" (temporary holding spaces) to maneuver cards strategically. The lack of hidden cards means every position is known—if you can't win, it's usually because of a mistake, not bad luck.
This appeals to players who want a mental challenge and the satisfaction of knowing they solved a puzzle.
In Pyramid, cards arrange in a triangle shape (7 rows, with 1 card at the top and 7 at the bottom). You remove pairs that add up to 13 (King = 13, so it goes alone; Queen + Ace = 13, and so on). Cards below a removed card become available. A draw pile provides additional cards.
Pyramid is more about matching and arithmetic than building sequences, making it feel different from other solitaires.
Spider uses two decks and eight columns. You build sequences in descending order (King through Ace), preferably in the same suit. When you complete a King-to-Ace sequence in one suit, it's removed. Incomplete sequences can still be moved if they're in descending order, even across suits.
Spider is highly strategic and often difficult. It rewards planning several moves ahead and patience with partial sequences.
One of the simplest solitaires, Patience removes pairs of cards that add up to 13. You flip through a deck, playing any visible card that pairs with another visible card. If you clear the entire deck, you win. Success depends more on card arrangement than your choices, making it luck-heavy but quick to play.
Accordion uses a single row of cards. You remove adjacent cards if they're the same suit or rank, causing remaining cards to slide together. The goal is to reduce the entire deck to one card. It's simple to learn but extremely difficult to win—many hands are unwinnable from the start.
| Game | Skill Factor | Typical Win Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klondike | Medium | Variable | Casual play, balanced challenge |
| FreeCell | High | High (with good play) | Problem-solving minds |
| Pyramid | Medium | Medium | Pairing and arithmetic focus |
| Spider | High | Low | Strategic, patient players |
| Patience | Low | Luck-dependent | Quick, relaxing games |
| Accordion | Low (rules) / High (winning) | Very low | Long-term challenge |
Different players have different preferences:
Solitaire also offers practical benefits for players of any age: it exercises memory, planning, and pattern recognition. Playing without time pressure lets you think through moves at your own pace.
Many digital versions and physical card decks include rules for multiple solitaire types, so you can experiment to find which matches your mood and goals on any given day.
