The world boasts more than 500 variations of solitaire. The BVS collection, a comprehensive compilation of solitaire games, has cataloged over 400 of them, but this doesn’t even account for the complete number of solitaire games in existence. If we include those that deviate from the traditional 52-card deck, the number increases even more.
To make sense of the vast array of solitaire games available, BVS has divided them into various categories. This includes 10 types of FreeCell, 27 Klondike Solitaires, 19 Spider Solitaire games, as well as numerous other popular and lesser-known games. Given the overwhelming number of solitaire games, we’ve opted to introduce you to the four most popular types. So whether you’re a newcomer or looking for a new challenge, here are the most widely played solitaire games.
1. Klondike
Klondike is the most common solitaire variant played with people around the world. Its popularity started after the gold rush that took place in Klondike, Canada. This patience game has several variations, such as the Tarot version that is played with 78 cards.
Klondike features seven columns where individuals deal cards with one facing up, which is usually the last card. Cards in a column should be the number of that column. For instance, column seven should have seven cards, six face downs, and one facing up. Players aim at building four piles with cards starting from Ace to King.
2. Spider
Windows popularized Spider Solitaire in 1995. This highly addictive solitaire game is suitable for enthusiasts of all ages. Players have a great deal of flexibility with the number of decks they choose to use, especially when attempting the most challenging level. A single deck of Spider Solitaire can be completed in just a few minutes, while multiple decks require additional time. However, it’s important to note that the majority of games involve only two decks, which is the standard.
Spider Solitaire also offers several variations, which depend on the number of decks used and the layout at the start of the game. Variants include Open Spider, Wasp, Black Widow, Scorpion Solitaire, Spiderette, and more.
3. FreeCell
It is very different from other solitaire versions. Players deal with face-up cards in this game and are given free cells to store their reserve cards. FreeCell has the highest winnability rate. If you play your cards right, you’ll find yourself winning most of the games. In fact, the chances of encountering an unsolvable game are 8/1000000. Yet other games have a rough estimate of 10-30%.
Like Spider Solitaire, this game was also made popular by Windows when it was introduced as a free entertainment game to Windows users. Types of FreeCell games include Baker’s Game, Baker’s Big FreeCell, etc.
4. Tri-Peaks
Tri-Peaks Solitaire features a unique card layout, consisting of 3 overlapping triangles with face-down cards and one row that has all cards facing up at the bottom. It was invented in 1989 by Robert Hogue, who proved that 90% of these games are winnable.
However, this game isn’t included in the free entertainment package for windows. Instead, Microsoft includes it among its four subsequent packs, along with Fuji Golf, TicTactics, and WordZap. It’s why it is not popular like the four we’ve reviewed above. Nevertheless, it has a solid place among solitaire enthusiasts.
Other Solitaire Games
Other games you might be interested in include;
- Yukon Solitaire
- Russian Solitaire
- Pyramid Solitaire
- Push-Pin
- Josephine
- Golf
- Gaps
- Crescent
- Cruel
- Carpet
- Accordion
- Aces Up, and many more
When encountering various solitaire games, it’s important to review the rules before playing. You may discover that you’re already familiar with the game, or perhaps it’s entirely new. Additionally, it’s worth noting that you can customize your own version of solitaire by modifying the rules of an existing game. It’s this infinite potential for entertainment that draws so many people to solitaire.
