Solitaire
How to Play Solitaire
Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet moment and a deck of cards to turn the tide of a long workday. That's the feeling one of our players, Emma, shared with us. Faced with a stressful afternoon, she found a moment of calm in a simple game of Solitaire. Each card moved was a small victory, a quiet reset button. By the time she cleared the deck, her mind was clear, and the challenges of her day seemed a little friendlier.
Just like Emma, you can step away from the buzz and dive into that calming world of solitaire. This classic card game is the perfect way to relax, refocus, and challenge yourself. Ready to deal your first hand?
The Objective
The goal of Solitaire is to move all 52 cards into four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King.
Game Setup & Rules
The game starts with a shuffled deck. Cards are dealt into seven tableau piles, with the top card of each pile face-up. The remaining cards form the stock pile.
- Moving Cards: You can move a face-up card (or a sequence of cards) onto another tableau pile if it is one rank lower and of the opposite color (e.g., a red 6 on a black 7).
- Uncovering Cards: When you move a card, the face-down card beneath it is turned over.
- Building Foundations: Move Aces to the four foundation spots at the top as soon as they become available. Then, build up each foundation by suit (e.g., 2 of Hearts on the Ace of Hearts, then the 3, and so on up to the King).
- Using the Stock: If you run out of moves, click the stock pile to draw new cards. This version uses "Draw 1," making it easier to find the card you need.
- Empty Piles: Only a King can be moved into an empty tableau pile.
Winning the Game
You win when all cards have been successfully moved to the four foundation piles in the correct order. The game ends when no cards are left on the tableau or in the stock pile.
Tips for a Winning Hand
- Prioritize uncovering face-down cards to open up more options.
- Try to find and free up your Aces and low-ranking cards as early as possible.
- Avoid emptying a tableau pile unless you have a King ready to place there.
- Don't be afraid to use the Undo button to try a different sequence of moves if you get stuck.
A Fun Twist: The Wish Game
Here’s a fun tradition some players enjoy: Before you start a new game, make a simple wish. If you win the game and clear the deck, legend says your wish is on its way to coming true! Give it a try and see what the cards have in store for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solitaire skill or luck?
It's a mix of both! The initial shuffle is luck, but your decisions on which cards to move and when to draw from the stock are all skill. A good strategy can help you win even challenging deals.
Is this game free to play?
Yes, Solitaire on Free Game Arcade is 100% free. No sign-ups or downloads are needed. Just load the page and start playing.
Can I undo a move?
Absolutely. Click the "Undo" button anytime to reverse your last action.
Can I play this on my phone?
Yes, this game is fully responsive and works great on both desktop and mobile devices using a mouse or touch controls.