About Solitaire

Whether you are a lover of or expert in card games, solitaire is an enjoyable game for just about anyone. The concept is easy enough for even young children to grasp, and the game is pleasurable enough for all ages to enjoy. The long-time card game provides a way for most to quickly pass the time in many locations. The simple game doesn't require a partner and is available in a variety of forms.

History

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, solitaire originally was called patience or cable in certain countries; it is said to originate at the end of the 18th century as a form of fortune telling. Those who played solitaire often played with a deck of cards, but many later moved on to electronic versions (see Section 3).

Significance

Those who play solitaire do it for general entertainment, to easily pass the time or to keep their minds fresh without having to find a partner or participate in an elaborate card game.

Types

Traditionally, solitaire is played with a deck of cards. Solitaire also is available through computer software that users can download to their computer drives. Users also can get solitaire through online downloads or general websites that allow users to play without downloading anything. Card enthusiasts also can download solitaire to their cellular telephones or iPods, unless it is originally offered on the device. Gamers also can get a disc or game for their traditional or hand-held gaming systems.

Time Frame

The game could end in a matter or minutes or take up to an hour. It generally doesn't last longer than 15 minutes to half an hour before the player either loses or wins the game.

Size

Function

In the first row, place one card up and place the other six face down; skip to the second row and place the card face up and the other five rows of cards face down; continue until the seventh row; place the remaining cards in the deck in the upper left-hand corner. Players "win" the game by getting all of the cards in numerical order, starting with the ace on the bottom and ending with the king, into four upper right-hand corner stacks that are separated by suit. To begin the game, move cards in reverse numerical order, from king to ace, and alternate colors on the seven rows. If any of the cards facing up in one of the seven rows are aces, place them in one of the four open spots at the top right; continue through the game in numerical order, from ace to king, by matching it to the same suit. Once you remove a card from the rows to go in the top four spaces or if you move it to another row, flip the next card over. Kings are the only cards that can be placed in blank row spaces in the seven rows.
If no cards can be moved at first, draw three cards from the top left deck; continue this move throughout the game when no moved are available on the rows. Players lose the game by having no other moves to make by going through the deck of cards or moving around cards in the rows