How to Play the Game Solitaire: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Hi there, readers!
Welcome to our ultimate guide on how to play the classic solitaire game. Whether you’re a seasoned solitaire enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this article will walk you through every step, from setting up the game to putting the last card in its rightful place. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of solitaire!
Section 1: Setting Up the Game
Getting Started
- Grab a standard deck of 52 cards and remove the jokers.
- Shuffle the deck thoroughly and spread the cards face down on the table or a flat surface.
Forming the Foundations
- Create four foundation piles at the top of the table, one for each suit (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades).
- Turn the top card of each foundation pile face up.
Stacking the Tableau
- Create seven tableau piles below the foundation piles, with one card face up on the first pile and each subsequent pile having one more card face up than the last.
- Leave the remaining cards in the stock as a reserve.
Section 2: Playing the Game
Moving Cards
- Foundation to Tableau: Any card in the tableau can be moved to an empty foundation pile of the same suit.
- Tableau to Tableau: Move any face-up card to another tableau pile if it’s one rank higher and in the opposite color. For example, you can move a red 7 on a black 8.
- Stock to Tableau: If you get stuck, you can draw three cards from the stock pile and try to make moves.
Using the Stock and Waste Piles
- Stock Pile: If the stock pile runs out, turn the waste pile face down and use it as the new stock pile.
- Waste Pile: When you draw from the stock pile, the first card you discard goes to the waste pile.
Section 3: Winning the Game
Goal
The goal of solitaire is to build all four foundation piles from Ace to King in the correct suit.
Victory Conditions
- If you successfully move all 52 cards to the foundation piles, congratulations! You’ve won the game!
- If you get stuck and can’t make any more moves, the game ends.
Section 4: Table of Solitaire Card Moves
| From | To | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Tableau | Same suit, one rank higher |
| Tableau | Foundation | Same suit, one rank lower |
| Tableau | Tableau | Opposite color, one rank higher |
| Stock | Tableau | First face-up card in tableau |
| Waste | Tableau | Face-up card, following above rules |
| Stock | Waste | Discard card |
Section 5: Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you master the art of playing solitaire. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t win right away. Keep shuffling and playing, and you’ll surely improve your skills.
For more exciting card games, be sure to check out our other articles on Spider Solitaire, FreeCell, and Canfield Solitaire. Happy gaming!
FAQ about Solitaire
1. What is the goal of Solitaire?
To move all the cards to the four foundation piles, organized by suit and in ascending order.
2. How do I deal the cards?
Deal 7 piles of cards, with the first pile having 1 card, the second having 2, and so on up to 7. Turn the top card of each pile face up.
3. What is the tableau?
The 7 piles of cards dealt at the beginning of the game.
4. What are the foundation piles?
The four empty piles at the top of the playing area, where cards will be built in suit from Ace to King.
5. What are the stock piles?
The two face-down piles of cards, one of which can be clicked to flip over 3 cards at a time.
6. Can I move cards between the tableau piles?
Yes, you can move cards from one tableau pile to another if the exposed card is one rank lower and the opposite color of the card you want to place it on.
7. Can I move cards to the foundation piles?
Yes, you can move an Ace to an empty foundation pile. Once an Ace is in place, you can then move cards of the same suit, one rank higher, to that pile.
8. Can I use the stock pile?
Yes, you can click on the stock pile to flip over 3 cards at a time. However, you can only go through the stock pile once.
9. Can I win Solitaire?
Yes, it is possible to win Solitaire, but it requires skill and a bit of luck.
10. What is a "Klondike" Solitaire?
Klondike Solitaire is the most common version of Solitaire, where the cards are dealt in 7 piles and you can only move cards of the opposite color and one rank lower.