Solitaire is played with a standard 52-card deck, and it has existed for decades even in its digital form. Microsoft was the one that brought it to our computers, and since then solitaire has become immensely popular. Online apps are one of the most significant reasons behind the popularity of this game. They give freedom to players all over the country and allow them to play and compete in solitaire card games on their own terms.
The game’s appeal and nostalgic feeling are some contributing factors that make this game even more enjoyable. Solitaire has simple graphics, and you can play quick matches to refresh your mind on a hectic day. You can download the Solitaire Gold app from the Play Store and play solitaire for free.
Solitaire is an umbrella term representing several variants of the same game. While the appeal of the game is the same, the rules and gameplay vary a little. Some variants are considered easy and have a simple learning curve, while others are challenging and you need to practice a lot to get better.
Although there are a lot of versions of this game around the world, Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell are the most played versions across the globe. Let’s look at these three versions closely and decode why they are the most popular variants in the country.
Klondike Solitaire
Klondike is the variant we are most familiar with. Since this game came with Windows, we all have been playing it since childhood. This is the classic online solitaire card game that has a special place in our hearts. Klondike is so popular that it is the first variant that comes to mind when we hear the term “solitaire.”
Klondike is also known as patience in the UK. This variant is played using a single 52-card deck. The goal of the game is to arrange all cards in the foundations. The cards must be sorted in ascending order from ace to king.
Think of it as a builder solitaire game where you move cards with the goal of putting them on the foundations. You can only move a face-up card and put it on top of another one when the value of the card is one less and is of an alternate color. The empty column can only be filled by a king.
The game also has a stockpile containing some extra cards that you can use to complete the game. Since the game is all about moving cards strategically, you will get better with practice. Klondike is a variant of solitaire that is purely based on skills. Thus, players with better skills are much more likely to win the game.
Online apps allow you to play competitively with other players, and whoever sorts the cards first wins the game. In several apps, you will get a time bonus. So if you sort your cards in a short time, you will get more points. Online apps also let you participate in tournaments and leagues to test your skills.
Every game is unique and you will have a fair chance of winning. Since it is a quick game where you have to arrange the cards within five to seven minutes, you can play this game even in your busy routine. A simple round will help you get a moment to yourself and refresh your mind amid your hectic routine.
Spider Solitaire
Spider solitaire is also a popular variant of solitaire. The outcome of the game depends on the skill of players and gives them plenty of room to overcome the factor of luck. Some players consider spider solitaire more challenging than klondike solitaire, and this is why it is preferred by expert players.
The game uses two decks of cards, and it begins once 54 cards are dealt in a tableau of 10 piles. Similar to klondike, the aim of spider solitaire is to sort the same suit cards from ace to king. But there are no foundations, which is a significant difference between these two variants.
You can move face-up cards similar to klondike, but whenever you need fresh cards, they are dealt out 10 at a time across the entire tableau. Unlike klondike, all the building takes place in the tableau. So when you play them side by side, you will instantly see a lot of differences between the two variants.
There are several sub-variants of this game that you can indulge in. The easiest version is the one-suit spider variant. You should start with this one if you are a complete beginner. Once you develop skills and feel like challenging yourself, you can progress to more difficult versions of this game.
FreeCell Solitaire
FreeCell has emerged as another popular variant of solitaire. It is a popular game that is becoming a more popular variant of solitaire worldwide. A highlight of this game is that all cards are visible at the start of the game. It is an open game and you don’t get surprises in the game.
Since all the cards are open, you can make solid strategies to win. The outcome of the game depends on sheer skill, and there is very little luck involved. This game is tremendously popular around the world and has inspired many other variants. The sub-variants are similar to FreeCell, with only a few tweaks to keep the players engaged
FreeCell is played with a single deck. In the beginning, the deck is dealt into eight columns of face-up cards. The game also contains four foundation piles, and the goal is to sort cards from each suit in ascending order. However, along with the foundation piles, you also get four storage cells that can be used to store a card temporarily from any column.
The addition of storage cells makes FreeCell different from other variants, and it is a detail that many players find interesting. It is a fast-paced game where you can see all cards and determine your strategy. Once you have mastered this variant, you can move up to more challenging ones where the game is played with more cards.
Spider Solitaire
Spider solitaire is also a popular variant of solitaire. The outcome of the game depends on the skill of players and gives them plenty of room to overcome the factor of luck. Some players consider spider solitaire more challenging than klondike solitaire, and this is why it is preferred by expert players.
Conclusion
Solitaire is not just a game, but it is a reminder of all the fun times we had in our lives. Solitaire is a builder-type game that requires skills, and regular playing allows you to sharpen several life skills. There are many variants of this game, but the three games described above are three the most popular ones. You should definitely try online solitaire if you haven’t already. Happy gaming!
