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Solitaire FAQ:

What is the difference between 'Solitaire' and 'Patience'?

"Solitaire" and "Patience" are two different terms used to refer to the same type of card game. In general, "Patience" is more commonly used in the UK, while "Solitaire" is more familiar to speakers in the US. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably.

Occasionally, "Solitaire" is used specifically to refer to single-player patience games, while "Patience" can refer to both single-player and multi-player games. However, the distinction between the two terms is not always clear-cut, and they are often used synonymously.

How many decks are used in solitaire?

The number of decks used in Solitaire can vary depending on the particular game being played. Some Solitaire games, such as Klondike, use only one standard deck of 52 cards, while others, such as Spider Solitaire, use two decks, totaling 104 cards. Still, other versions of Solitaire can use up to four decks of cards. The number of decks used can impact the difficulty level and strategy of the game.

How many decks of cards does it take to play Spider Solitaire?

Spider Solitaire is played with two full decks. Some spider solitaire variations include using 1, 3 or 4 decks.

Spider Solitaire Rules

Why is it called spider solitaire?

The game got its name because a spider has 8 legs and you have to build eight complete sequences to win the game.

Spider Solitaire Rules

What is normal solitaire called?

Klondike is perhaps the most popular of all solitaire games. For many players no other game exists. They just call it "Solitaire" (or "Patience" in UK).

Klondike Solitaire

Why is solitaire called klondike?

Klondike Solitaire was invented by Richard Canfield or likely by one of his assistants as a game for his Saratoga resort in 1899. The rules were more severe than those of modern implementations. Canfield named it after the Klondike gold Rush, which took place at that time. Some people think the game existed before in some form and Canfield just adopted it.

Klondike Solitaire

How to play solitaire?

Solitaire (or Klondike Solitaire) is played with one 52-card deck. 28 cards are dealt into 7 tableau piles with the number of cards per pile increasing from one to seven from left to right. The top card is face up.

Foundations: You have 4 foundations. Aces are moved to the foundations as they become available.

The object of the game is to build the foundations up in suit from aces to kings.

Playing on the Tableau: You may build tableau piles down in sequence and alternating color. One card or group of cards in the proper sequence can be moved from pile to pile. If, during play, any closed cards become the top card of a stack, it turns over. Empty tableaus may be filled with a King or group of cards headed with a King...

How to play Klondike Solitaire

Is solitaire a game of luck or skill?

Winning solitaire games generally require a degree of skill and luck. There are hundreds of different solitaire game variations. Each solitaire variation has different rules and different ways to win. Some games involve skill rather than just luck. In some solitaire games (like Freecell) you don't need luck to win. You just need skill and patience. Other Solitaire variations are games of pure chance and do not require skill.

What is the foundation in Solitaire?

Foundation is a type of pile. This is the ultimate destination for cards in many games. Usually the foundations are empty at the start of a game, but in some games they may begin with a starter card.

Solitaire Glossary

What is the difference between Klondike and Spider solitaire?

Klondike and Spider solitaire are two of the most popular solitaire games, but they have some key differences. Klondike is played with one deck of cards and the goal is to move all the cards to the four foundations, while Spider is played with two decks and the goal is to build eight complete sequences of cards in descending order.

What is the history of solitaire?

The exact origins of solitaire are unknown, but the game has been played for centuries in various forms. It is believed to have originated in Europe and was popularized in the 19th century. Today, solitaire is played all over the world and has become a beloved pastime for many.

How many different solitaire variations are there?

There are hundreds of different variations of solitaire, each with its own set of rules and gameplay.

Solitaire Game Rules Index

Can you get solitaire on iPad and iPhone?

You can download BVS Solitaire Collection for iPad and iPhone from the App Store. The app includes 330 different solitaire games, including popular favorites like Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, as well as many lesser-known variations. You can customize the card sets, backgrounds, and rules for each game, and track your progress with detailed statistics. The app is regularly updated with new games and features, so you'll never run out of solitaire fun.

BVS Solitaire Collection for iPad and iPhone

Who invented the game solitaire?

While it is difficult to attribute the invention of Solitaire to a single individual, evidence suggests that it may have originated from a community of people in the late 17th century. Most historians agree that France played a significant role in popularizing the game, and it's possible that the game was invented there as well.

In fact, rumors from the late 1700s suggest that Solitaire was a game designed specifically for royalty and played exclusively by the elite in royal courts. Despite its regal beginnings, the game's popularity eventually spread far and wide, captivating players of all social classes and nationalities.

Does solitaire require any skill?

Yes, solitaire does require some skill, although it is often considered a game of chance. The player's ability to win the game depends on their understanding of the rules and the strategies they use to maximize their chances of success.

One of the most important skills in solitaire is the ability to analyze the layout of the cards and to make decisions based on the available information. This involves identifying the cards that can be moved, predicting the potential consequences of each move, and deciding which moves are most likely to lead to a successful outcome.

In addition, there are specific strategies that can be employed in solitaire to increase the likelihood of winning. For example, experienced players may focus on uncovering hidden cards as quickly as possible, or they may prioritize moving cards to the foundation piles in order to build up a strong base.

Overall, while solitaire may not require the same level of skill as other card games like bridge, it still requires some degree of strategic thinking and decision-making.