Card games are considered a perfect source of productive entertainment. Not only do these games allow you to relax, but to stay engaged and sharpen your skills as well. One such popular game is solitaire, which has been popular for a very long time. People have played it on their computers as a means to stay entertained and engaged. Almost every child has fond memories attached to this game.
Whether you like playing a solitaire card game on a physical deck or online, this game is perfect to work on your skills without compromising on entertainment. Initially, kids used to gather around at one place, and take turns playing solitaire on the desktop. But now, you can play it on your phone. You can simply download the Solitaire Gold app from the Play Store and play unlimited free games right on your phone.
The games are timed, and you only have five minutes to complete a game. It has the same appeal as the traditional game, and you will be able to compete with players from all over the country. The multiplayer feature has made solitaire even more interesting. If you are just starting to play the game, this guide will help you learn all the crucial points and be ready for your first games.
Rules of the Game
The game can be played by a single player, but mobile apps have enabled you to compete with other players and play tournaments as well. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, where the primary objective is to sort the cards correctly.
The card deck is shuffled and laid on the tableau in seven piles. Here only the last card is placed face up. The rest of the cards are placed face down. You will have to move cards in order to reveal the face-down cards and sort all of them onto the foundation piles.
The rule of the game dictates that you can only move a face-up card and put it on top of another card when it is one less in value and of an alternate color. For example, you can move the 6 of hearts or diamonds on the 7 of clubs or spades.
You can also use the stockpile, and bring down cards to the tableau. The cards are sorted within the tableau, and ultimately, you have to move them to the foundations. There are four foundations at the top of the tableau, one for each suit.
You have to place cards onto these foundations starting from ace to king. Once all the cards are sorted onto the foundation piles, the game is over. However, when playing on apps, you will have to sort your cards within a given time limit, and the player who sorts first will win the game.
Types of Solitaire
Solitaire is an umbrella term that is used to refer to several variants of this game. You will find several variations of this game, and you can choose the best one according to your preference. There are some popular variants such as Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, and you will also find some lesser-known variants such as The Wish, Accordion, and Forty Thieves.
All of these variants have similar rules and setups, but there are some differences that set them apart from each other. While some variants are considered easy to understand and play, others are more challenging and recommended for expert players. If you are just getting started with solitaire, you should begin with simple variants like Klondike and then move on to more challenging variants.
The Set-up
To fully understand how to play solitaire card game, you should be aware of all the key terms and the set-up. The three crucial aspects of the set-up are as follows:
Tableau
The tableau is the biggest block in the game. It consists of seven card piles. The first pile contains one card, the second pile contains two cards, and so on. The last card of each pile is face up while the others are face down. As you remove the face-up cards and place them on top of others, the next cards will be automatically revealed.
Stockpile
In many apps, the stockpile is located in the top right corner, and it consists of several cards that you can use during the game. When you shuffle, three cards will be revealed, but you will only be able to use the top most card from each shuffle.
Foundations
Foundations are located above the tableau. These are four columns that are empty and can only be filled with aces first. The four foundations are for four suits, and they can only be filled in ascending order.
How to Play
The objective is to move cards to the foundation piles. You will sort cards within the tableau but to win, you will have to sort all your cards onto the foundation piles before your opponent does. The first thing you must do when starting the game is to move all aces to the foundations. Do this as quickly as you can, it will help you later in the game.
You should also focus on revealing as many cards as you can at the earliest. It will help you analyze the situation better and make the best moves. When you play online, you not only have to pay attention to the cards but also maintain speed. Playing against another player will keep you on the edge of your seat and add another level of excitement to the game.
Focusing on bigger stacks will also be a great way to gain a competitive edge in the game. If you sort larger stacks first, it automatically means that you will have chances of revealing more cards. It will speed up your sorting process and help you win the game. You should also think strategically and analyze the cards before making your move.
Conclusion
Solitaire is loved and played by players across the world, and online apps have just made it more appealing. This game brings back a lot of happy memories and is the perfect medium to stay entertained and productive at the same time. Since it is a skill-based game, you will learn something new in every match. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all the rules and play mindfully to maximize your chances of winning. Play free games on the Solitaire Gold app and brush up on your skills. You can also compete with players from all over the country and show off your amazing skills by beating your opponents. Download the app and start your gaming journey today!
