Play Solitaire Online Free
Last updated: November 15, 2025
Discover why millions of players worldwide choose solitaire as their favorite card game. Whether you're looking to relax during a coffee break, sharpen your strategic thinking, or simply pass the time, solitaire offers the perfect blend of challenge and entertainment. Play instantly in your browser - no downloads, no ads, no sign-up required.
▶ Start Playing Now - 100% FreeWhat is Solitaire?
Solitaire (also known as Patience in British English, or Klondike in American terminology) is a classic single-player card game that has captivated players for over 200 years. The objective is simple yet engaging: organize a shuffled deck of 52 playing cards into four foundation piles, sorted by suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) and arranged in ascending order from Ace to King.
Unlike most card games that require multiple players, solitaire is designed for solo play, making it the perfect companion when you want to enjoy a quick mental challenge without needing opponents. The game combines elements of strategy, planning, and a touch of luck, creating an experience that's easy to learn but offers endless depth for those seeking to master it.
The Origins of Solitaire
Solitaire originated in 18th century Europe, likely in Scandinavia or France. The game gained widespread popularity during the Victorian era, when Lady Adelaide Cadogan's 1874 book "Illustrated Games of Patience" introduced dozens of variations to English-speaking audiences. The name "solitaire" comes from the Latin word "solitarius," meaning "alone" or "isolated."
While "solitaire" technically refers to any single-player card game, most people use the term to specifically mean Klondike Solitaire, which became the default version after Microsoft included it with Windows 3.0 in 1990. That single decision introduced solitaire to over a billion computers worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most-played games in history.
How to Play Solitaire: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Learning solitaire is straightforward - you can start playing in minutes. Here's everything you need to know to get started:
Game Setup
The solitaire game board consists of four main areas:
- Tableau: Seven piles of cards in the center of the playing area. The first pile has 1 card, the second has 2 cards, the third has 3 cards, and so on up to 7 cards in the seventh pile. Only the top card in each pile starts face-up.
- Foundation: Four empty piles (usually in the upper right) where you'll build your final sequences from Ace to King, separated by suit.
- Stock: The remaining cards (24 in total) placed face-down in a pile (usually upper left).
- Waste: An empty space next to the stock pile where cards from the stock are placed face-up.
Basic Rules
The rules of solitaire are simple but must be followed precisely:
- Tableau Building: You can place a card on a tableau pile only if it's one rank lower and the opposite color from the card you're placing it on. For example, a red 6 can be placed on a black 7, or a black Queen can be placed on a red King.
- Foundation Building: Foundation piles must start with an Ace and build upward in the same suit. A 2 of hearts goes on the Ace of hearts, a 3 of hearts goes on the 2 of hearts, and so on.
- Moving Cards: You can move the top card from any pile, or move a sequence of cards if they're properly ordered (descending rank, alternating colors).
- Empty Columns: When a tableau column becomes empty, only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can be placed there.
- Stock Pile: Click the stock pile to reveal cards. In Draw 1 mode, one card flips over at a time. In Draw 3 mode, three cards flip over, but only the top card can be played.
How to Win
You win solitaire when all 52 cards are successfully moved to the four foundation piles, with each pile containing a complete sequence from Ace to King in a single suit. The game is lost if you can no longer make any legal moves and cards remain outside the foundation piles.
Pro Tip: Not every solitaire game is winnable! Studies show that approximately 79% of Klondike games can be won with perfect play. Don't get discouraged if you encounter an unwinnable game - simply start a new one and try again.
Types of Solitaire Games
While Klondike is the most famous variant, the world of solitaire offers incredible variety. Each game type provides unique challenges and strategic depth. Here are the most popular variants you can play on TrySolitaire:
1. Klondike Solitaire - The Classic
The traditional solitaire game that most people simply call "solitaire." Features the standard 7-column tableau, with options for Draw 1 (easier) or Draw 3 (harder) from the stock pile. Perfect for beginners and experts alike. Learn more about Klondike
2. Spider Solitaire - The Strategic Challenge
Played with two decks (104 cards), Spider Solitaire offers three difficulty levels: 1-suit (easiest), 2-suit (medium), and 4-suit (expert). Build complete sequences from King to Ace to remove them from play. More complex than Klondike but incredibly satisfying to win. Master Spider Solitaire
3. FreeCell - The Skill Game
Almost every FreeCell game is winnable with perfect play, making it the ultimate test of solitaire skill. Use four "free cells" to temporarily store cards while you manipulate the tableau. Less luck-dependent than Klondike, more strategic than Spider. Play FreeCell
4. Pyramid Solitaire - The Math Game
A unique variant where you remove pairs of cards that add up to 13. Kings are worth 13 and removed alone, Queens are 12, Jacks are 11, and Aces are 1. Clear the pyramid by removing all cards. Fast-paced and great for quick games. Try Pyramid
5. Golf Solitaire - The Speed Game
Clear cards from seven tableau columns by playing cards one rank higher or lower than the foundation card. No suits, no building - just fast, fun gameplay. Perfect for players who want quick 3-5 minute games. Golf Rules
6. TriPeaks Solitaire - The Three Peaks
Clear three overlapping pyramids by removing cards one rank higher or lower than your current card. Combines elements of Pyramid and Golf with unique strategic opportunities. Great for players seeking variety. TriPeaks Guide
Even More Variations
TrySolitaire offers 13 total solitaire variants including Yukon, Russian Solitaire, Scorpion, Canfield, Forty Thieves, and more. Each provides a fresh challenge and new strategies to master. Explore our complete solitaire games collection - all completely free!
Solitaire Strategy & Tips for Winning More Games
While luck plays a role in solitaire, skill and strategy dramatically improve your win rate. Follow these expert tips to win more consistently:
Essential Winning Strategies
- Always Move Aces and Twos Immediately: As soon as Aces appear, move them to foundations. Twos can usually go up safely too. These cards rarely help in the tableau.
- Prioritize Uncovering Face-Down Cards: Your first priority should be revealing hidden cards. More information means better decisions.
- Create Empty Columns Early: Empty tableau columns are incredibly powerful - they can only hold Kings, which creates strategic flexibility.
- Don't Rush Cards to Foundations: Keep cards in play unless moving them to foundations opens new opportunities. Having cards accessible in the tableau provides more options.
- Plan Ahead: Before making a move, consider the next 2-3 moves. Will this move open a useful card? Will it block future moves?
- Use Color Distribution Wisely: Pay attention to which colors are available. If you're heavy on red cards, save black cards for later flexibility.
- Cycle Through the Stock Strategically: Don't waste stock pile cycles. Try to make progress in the tableau before cycling through again.
How to Win Solitaire Every Time
While no strategy guarantees 100% wins (only 79% of Klondike games are winnable), you can dramatically improve your win rate by following these principles: Focus on exposing face-down cards above all else, maintain at least one empty column when possible, and avoid moving cards to foundations until you've exhausted tableau options. The key is thinking multiple moves ahead - expert players visualize 5-7 moves before committing to any single play.
Advanced Tip: In Draw 3 mode, try to remember which cards are in the stock and their order. This information becomes crucial when deciding whether to make certain moves in the tableau.
For more advanced strategies and winning techniques, check out our comprehensive Solitaire Strategy Guide and Tips & Tricks articles.
How to Master Solitaire Strategy
Mastering solitaire strategy requires understanding both fundamental principles and advanced techniques. Whether you're playing Klondike, Spider, or FreeCell, these strategic concepts apply across all variants:
Beginner Solitaire Strategy
If you're new to solitaire, focus on these core strategies: always expose hidden cards before moving cards to foundations, create empty columns early to maximize flexibility, and avoid blocking lower-ranked cards with higher-ranked ones. Practice with Draw 1 Klondike before advancing to Draw 3 difficulty.
Advanced Solitaire Techniques
Experienced players use probability and card counting to improve win rates. Track which cards have appeared from the stock pile, calculate the likelihood of needed cards being available, and plan 5-7 moves ahead. In FreeCell, memorize common supermove patterns. In Spider Solitaire, avoid mixing suits unless absolutely necessary.
Winning Solitaire Every Time: Is It Possible?
While perfect play doesn't guarantee victory (only 79% of Klondike games are winnable), mastering strategy can boost your win rate from 15-20% to 40-50% or higher. The key differences between casual and expert players: patience, planning, and pattern recognition. Expert players take their time, analyze the full tableau before each move, and recognize winning patterns instantly.
Strategy by Game Type
- Klondike Strategy: Prioritize uncovering face-down cards, maintain empty columns, delay foundation moves
- Spider Strategy: Build in-suit sequences, create empty columns for Kings, plan complete runs before breaking sequences
- FreeCell Strategy: Use free cells wisely, calculate supermoves, plan endgame sequences early
Visit our complete solitaire games collection to practice strategy across all 13 variants!
Why Choose TrySolitaire?
There are many places to play solitaire online, but TrySolitaire stands out for all the right reasons:
✓ 100% Free - Forever
No ads, no hidden costs, no premium features locked behind paywalls. Everything is completely free, and it always will be. We believe solitaire should be accessible to everyone without interruption or manipulation.
✓ 16 Different Games
More variety than most solitaire sites. Beyond the classics (Klondike, Spider, FreeCell), we offer Pyramid, Golf, TriPeaks, Yukon, Russian, Scorpion, Canfield, Forty Thieves, and more. Explore our complete solitaire games collection, plus puzzle games like Sudoku and 2048.
✓ Works Offline
Our Progressive Web App (PWA) technology means you can play even without an internet connection. Perfect for flights, commutes, or anywhere you don't have reliable WiFi.
✓ No Sign-Up Required
Start playing immediately - no email, no password, no personal information required. Your privacy matters to us.
✓ Mobile-Friendly
Fully responsive design works perfectly on phones, tablets, and desktops. Touch-optimized controls make mobile play smooth and intuitive.
✓ Comprehensive Statistics
Track your progress with detailed stats: games played, games won, win rate, best time, current streak, and best streak. All saved locally in your browser.
✓ Multiple Card Themes
Choose from 4 different card styles and 9 card back designs to customize your playing experience.
✓ Unlimited Undo/Redo
Made a mistake? No problem. Unlimited undo lets you experiment with different strategies and learn from your decisions.
✓ 6 Languages Supported
Available in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Hindi, and German. Play solitaire in your preferred language.
▶ Experience TrySolitaire NowFrequently Asked Questions About Solitaire
Related Solitaire Games & Resources
Explore our complete collection of solitaire variants and learning resources. If you're looking for alternatives to popular platforms, check out our Google Solitaire alternative comparison.
Learn More About Solitaire
- Complete How to Play Solitaire Guide
- The Fascinating History of Solitaire
- Advanced Solitaire Strategy
- Expert Tips & Tricks
- Complete Guide to Solitaire Variants
- Best Solitaire Games Ranked
- Easiest Solitaire Games for Beginners
- Hardest Solitaire Games
- Solitaire Terms Glossary
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