Patience
GAME SUMMARY
Patience, also widely known as Solitaire, is a timeless card game that has been enjoyed by players around the world for centuries.
Whether you're playing with an actual deck of cards or using a digital version on your computer or phone, Patience offers the perfect balance of relaxation and challenge.
While the game is often played solo (hence its popular name "Solitaire"), it’s far from boring. The satisfaction of clearing the tableau and stacking those cards in perfect order is pure bliss for fans of the game.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Patience, the traditional rules for the most popular version of Solitaire (Klondike), some useful tips to improve your gameplay, and fun variants that keep the game fresh.
SET UP & RULES
Setting up the Tableau:
- Deal out seven piles of cards (known as the tableau) from left to right. The first pile contains one card, the second pile contains two cards, and so on until the seventh pile, which contains seven cards.
- Only the top card of each pile is face up; the remaining cards are face down.
- The remaining cards are placed in a stockpile, which you’ll draw from throughout the game.
Building the Foundations:
- Your aim is to move all the cards into four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order (starting with Aces and ending with Kings).
- Cards must be stacked in alternating colors (red on black, or black on red) and in descending order on the tableau (for example, a red 7 can only be placed on a black 8).
Moving Cards:
- You can move cards between tableau piles to reveal hidden cards beneath. If you uncover an Ace, move it to one of the foundation piles.
- You can also draw cards from the stockpile. You may flip over cards from the stockpile one at a time (or three at a time, for a more challenging version) and place them on the tableau or foundations, if possible.
- If you free up an empty column in the tableau, you may move a King (with any cards stacked on it) into that space.
Winning the Game:
- The game is won when all the cards have been successfully moved to the foundation piles in the correct order, from Ace to King.
- If no more moves can be made and the stockpile is exhausted, the game is over.
Klondike Solitaire is as much about thinking ahead as it is about moving the cards you see.
The balance between strategy and luck keeps players coming back for more.
PATIENCE IN DETAIL
A Brief History of Patience
The origins of Solitaire are somewhat mysterious, though it is generally agreed that the game first gained popularity in the 18th century.
Some sources suggest that it began in Scandinavia or Germany, where it was played as a form of divination—believers thought that if you successfully completed the game, good fortune was headed your way.
By the early 19th century, Patience had become a popular pastime in France, especially among nobility.
The game soon spread across Europe, where it became a favorite during the Victorian era. Napoleon Bonaparte is even rumored to have played Solitaire during his exile!
In the late 20th century, Solitaire received a significant boost in popularity when Microsoft included it as a default game in Windows.
Digital Solitaire introduced millions of people to the game, and it remains one of the most widely played computer games in history.
Today, Patience is available in countless variations and can be played with physical cards or on virtually any device.
The Traditional Version of Patience
To play the traditional version of Klondike Solitaire, you’ll need:
- A standard 52-card deck of playing cards, shuffled well.
- Patience—both the game and the virtue, as it can take time to get everything in order.
The goal of Klondike Solitaire is to build four foundation piles, one for each suit (hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs), in ascending order from Ace to King.
Tips for Playing Patience
Although Solitaire involves a good deal of luck, having a solid strategy will drastically increase your chances of winning. Here are some tips to help improve your game:
Always Move Aces and Twos to the Foundations First:
- If an Ace or a 2 is available, move it to the foundation right away. These cards have no purpose on the tableau, and moving them early will free up space for more important moves.
Don’t Immediately Empty a Tableau Pile:
- Clearing a tableau pile by moving all cards can be tempting, but think twice before doing so. If you don’t have a King ready to move into the empty space, you’ll lose valuable flexibility.
Prioritize Revealing Hidden Cards:
- The key to winning Solitaire is unlocking the face-down cards as quickly as possible. Always prioritize moves that allow you to flip a hidden card.
Use the Stockpile Wisely:
- When drawing from the stockpile, don’t rush into placing cards on the tableau. Think a few moves ahead and avoid wasting a stockpile card on a tableau pile if it won’t directly help you unlock more cards.
Don’t Automatically Move Cards to Foundations:
- While it’s tempting to send cards to the foundation as soon as they’re available, sometimes it’s smarter to leave them on the tableau if they’re needed for uncovering more cards. Moving cards too early can leave you stuck.
Play Kings Carefully:
- Kings are the only cards that can fill an empty tableau pile, so don’t move a King unless you can make meaningful progress by doing so.
By following these tips and carefully planning each move, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Solitaire.
Variants of Patience (Solitaire)
While Klondike is the most well-known version of Solitaire, there are countless other variants to keep things interesting.
Here are a few popular ones:
1. Spider Solitaire:
In Spider Solitaire, the player works with two full decks of cards (104 cards total), and the objective is to create eight complete sequences from King to Ace.
Unlike Klondike, all the cards in a sequence must be the same suit. This version is more complex and offers a greater challenge for experienced players.
2. FreeCell:
FreeCell is another popular variant where all the cards are dealt face up at the start of the game. The player has four empty "free cells" that can temporarily hold cards.
The key to winning FreeCell is careful planning—since all the cards are visible, it’s mostly a game of strategy rather than luck.
3. Pyramid Solitaire:
In Pyramid Solitaire, the cards are arranged in a pyramid shape with overlapping rows.
The goal is to pair cards that add up to 13 (Kings are removed on their own) while removing cards from the pyramid.
The challenge lies in only being able to access uncovered cards.
4. Yukon Solitaire:
In Yukon, all the cards are dealt into the tableau at the start, but unlike Klondike, there is no stockpile.
The player can move stacks of cards between tableau piles, even if the cards aren’t in perfect descending order.
This adds a unique twist to the gameplay and makes for a more strategic game.
5. TriPeaks:
TriPeaks is a quick and fun variation where the player works to clear three peaks of cards.
The player can remove any card that is one rank higher or lower than the current card.It’s fast-paced and great for those who like a change from the more methodical Klondike.
Conclusion
Patience, or Solitaire, has been a beloved game for centuries, captivating players with its blend of strategy, luck, and relaxation.
Whether you’re trying to beat the clock or just unwinding with a deck of cards, Solitaire offers endless enjoyment.
And with so many variations to choose from, you’ll never run out of ways to keep the game fresh.
Mastering Solitaire is all about thinking ahead, managing your cards wisely, and taking things one step at a time. And, of course, a little bit of luck never hurts!
Whether you're playing the classic Klondike or experimenting with new variants, Solitaire is the perfect game to test your patience and sharpen your mind.