Popular Solitaire Variants: Complete Guide
Explore 15+ unique solitaire games beyond Klondike and Spider
Quick Summary: While Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell dominate the solitaire world, hundreds of fascinating variants offer unique challenges and gameplay experiences. This comprehensive guide explores the most popular solitaire games beyond the classics, helping you discover your next favorite variant.
Classic Variants
These timeless games have been played for decades and remain favorites among solitaire enthusiasts.
Yukon Solitaire
Difficulty: (Hard) | Win Rate: ~15-25%
What makes it unique: Similar to Klondike, but you can move groups of cards even if they're not in sequence, as long as the top card follows solitaire building rules. This creates much more strategic depth.
Setup:
- Seven tableau piles: First pile has 1 card, seventh has 7 cards
- First card of each pile is face-up, all others face-down
- Four additional cards dealt face-up to piles 2-5
- No stock pile - all remaining cards dealt face-up across tableau
- Four foundation piles (Ace to King, by suit)
Rules:
- Build tableau down in alternating colors (red Queen on black King)
- Move any face-up card along with all cards on top of it, regardless of sequence
- Empty columns can only be filled with Kings
- Build foundations up by suit (Ace to King)
Strategy tips: The key to Yukon is recognizing that you can move partial sequences. Focus on exposing face-down cards and creating empty columns. Don't be afraid to break up sequences temporarily to reveal hidden cards.
Canfield Solitaire
Difficulty: (Very Hard) | Win Rate: ~3-8%
What makes it unique: Notorious for being difficult to win, Canfield was a popular gambling game where casinos would sell the deck for $50 and pay $5 for each card placed on the foundations.
Setup:
- Reserve pile of 13 cards (face-up, only top card playable)
- Four tableau piles with one face-up card each
- Stock pile with remaining cards (draw 3, play 1)
- First foundation card is randomly determined by the setup
Rules:
- Build tableau down in alternating colors
- Foundations start with whatever rank is dealt (not always Aces!)
- Foundations build up by suit, wrapping from King to Ace if needed
- Empty tableau spaces filled automatically from reserve
- Draw 3 cards from stock, play the top card
Strategy tips: Prioritize emptying the reserve pile. The random foundation start rank adds complexity - calculate which cards you need most urgently. Use tableau strategically since empty spaces auto-fill from reserve.
Forty Thieves (Napoleon at St. Helena)
Difficulty: (Very Hard) | Win Rate: ~5-10%
What makes it unique: Uses two full decks (104 cards) and requires building by suit rather than alternating colors, making it significantly more challenging.
Setup:
- Two standard 52-card decks shuffled together
- Ten tableau piles with four cards each (all face-up)
- Eight foundation piles (one for each suit in each deck)
- Remaining 64 cards form the stock
Rules:
- Build tableau down by suit (8ā on 9ā , not just any black 9)
- Only one card can be moved at a time
- Empty columns can be filled with any card
- Draw one card at a time from stock (no redeal)
- Build foundations up by suit (Ace to King)
Strategy tips: Empty columns are precious - use them wisely. Plan several moves ahead since you can only move one card at a time. Prioritize exposing cards that block multiple other cards.
Skill-Based Variants
These games minimize luck and reward careful planning and strategy.
Baker's Game
Difficulty: (Hard) | Win Rate: ~75% (theoretical)
What makes it unique: Essentially FreeCell but with same-suit building in the tableau instead of alternating colors. Created as the "original" version before FreeCell became popular.
Rules: Identical to FreeCell except tableau building is by suit instead of alternating colors. This one change makes it significantly harder, as you have fewer building options.
Strategy tips: Apply FreeCell strategies but be more conservative with free cell usage. Suit-restricted building means you'll need more temporary storage. Plan longer move sequences.
Eight Off
Difficulty: (Medium) | Win Rate: ~95% (theoretical)
What makes it unique: Eight free cells (instead of FreeCell's four) but reserves start pre-filled with cards. A more relaxed alternative to FreeCell.
Setup:
- Eight tableau piles with six cards each
- Eight reserve cells, four start with one card each
- Four empty reserve cells
Rules: Similar to FreeCell but with eight reserves. Build tableau down by suit. Can move sequences if you have enough free reserves using the supermove rule.
Strategy tips: More forgiving than FreeCell due to extra reserves. Focus on clearing the pre-filled reserves first to maximize maneuvering space.
Building and Packing Variants
Scorpion Solitaire
Difficulty: (Hard) | Win Rate: ~15-20%
What makes it unique: No foundations! Instead, you build complete sequences (King down to Ace) in the tableau by suit. When complete, the sequence is removed.
Setup:
- Seven tableau piles with seven cards each
- First four piles: first 3 cards face-down, last 4 face-up
- Last three piles: all cards face-up
- Three reserve cards set aside
Rules:
- Build down by suit in tableau (9ā„ on 10ā„)
- Move any face-up card along with all cards on top of it (like Yukon)
- Empty columns can only be filled with Kings
- Three reserve cards can be dealt (one to each of first three piles) when stuck
- Goal: Build four complete K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A sequences by suit
Strategy tips: Don't waste the reserve cards - save them for critical moments. Focus on exposing face-down cards. Sometimes you need to make moves that seem backwards to unblock cards.
Wasp Solitaire
Difficulty: (Medium) | Win Rate: ~25-35%
What makes it unique: A more winnable variation of Scorpion. All cards start face-up, making it a game of pure strategy with no hidden information.
Rules: Identical to Scorpion except all 49 cards are dealt face-up at the start. No face-down cards means perfect information, transforming it into a pure puzzle.
Strategy tips: Take time at the start to plan your approach. Work backwards from where you need to end up. Empty columns are extremely valuable.
Russian Solitaire
Difficulty: (Hard) | Win Rate: ~20-30%
What makes it unique: Similar to Yukon but builds by suit in the tableau instead of alternating colors, requiring more careful planning.
Rules: Same as Yukon but build tableau down by suit. This restriction makes it considerably harder while maintaining Yukon's interesting "move any face-up card" mechanic.
Adding and Pairing Variants
Pyramid Solitaire
Difficulty: (Medium-Hard) | Win Rate: ~0.5-5.5%
See our complete Pyramid Solitaire guide for full rules and strategies.
Quick overview: Remove pairs of cards that add up to 13. Kings are removed alone. The challenge is in the order you remove cards, as some cards block multiple others.
Pyramid Variations
Relaxed Pyramid: Same as Pyramid but you can cycle through the stock pile multiple times. Win rate increases to ~15-25%, making it much more approachable for casual players.
Giza (Pyramid + Solitaire): Combines Pyramid with traditional solitaire foundations. Remove pairs totaling 13 OR build foundations up by suit. Gives you two paths to victory, significantly increasing win rates.
Tri-Peaks:
Difficulty: (Easy-Medium) | Win Rate: ~50-60%
See our complete TriPeaks guide for full rules.
Three pyramids instead of one. Build up or down regardless of suit. Fast-paced and forgiving, perfect for casual play.
Race Against the Clock Variants
Golf Solitaire
Difficulty: (Easy-Medium) | Win Rate: ~30-45%
See our complete Golf guide for strategies.
Clear seven columns by building up or down on a waste pile. Simple rules but requires planning to avoid dead ends.
Clock Solitaire (Watch)
Difficulty: (Easy) | Win Rate: ~1% (mostly luck)
What makes it unique: Pure luck game played more for entertainment than skill. Fast to play (2-3 minutes).
Setup:
- 13 piles of 4 cards each, arranged like clock face (12 numbers + center)
- All cards face-down
Rules:
- Start by flipping the top card of the center pile
- Place it face-up under its corresponding pile (Aces at 1 o'clock, Queens at 12, Kings in center)
- Flip the top card of that pile and continue
- Win if all piles are face-up before the fourth King is revealed
Why play it: Great for quick stress relief. The ritualistic nature is satisfying. Good for introducing children to card games.
Strategic Reserve Variants
Gaps (Montana)
Difficulty: (Medium) | Win Rate: ~15-25%
What makes it unique: No stacking or building - just arranging cards into four sorted rows by suit. Pure spatial reasoning puzzle.
Setup:
- Deal all 52 cards into 4 rows of 13 cards, all face-up
- Remove all four Aces, creating four gaps
Rules:
- Move any card into a gap if it's the same suit and one rank higher than the card to the left of the gap
- Example: 5ā„ can move into a gap if 4ā„ is immediately to the left
- Gaps to the left of a 2 cannot be filled
- Goal: Arrange all four suits in order (2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K) in the four rows
- When no more moves possible, gather unmoved cards, shuffle, and redeal (2 redeals allowed)
Strategy tips: Work right to left, trying to get Kings in place first. Preserve flexible gaps. Don't rush - think several moves ahead.
Accordion
Difficulty: (Very Hard) | Win Rate: <1%
What makes it unique: One of the hardest solitaire variants. Goal is to compress the entire deck into a single pile. Extremely difficult but quick to play.
Setup: Deal cards one at a time from the deck into a row, left to right.
Rules:
- After dealing each card, check if it matches the card 1 position to the left OR 3 positions to the left in either rank or suit
- If it matches, place it on top of the matching card
- Example: If cards are [5ā„] [Jā£] [7ā„] [2ā ] [5ā ], the 5ā can go on the 2ā (one to left, matches suit) or the 5ā„ (three to left, matches rank)
- Continue until entire deck is dealt
- Win if you compress everything into a single pile
Strategy tips: When you have a choice between matching one-left or three-left, think about which creates better future opportunities. Try to avoid creating isolated piles.
Multi-Deck Variants
Spider Solitaire
Difficulty: to (depends on suit count)
See our complete Spider guide for full rules and strategies.
The most popular multi-deck variant. Uses two decks, builds down in tableau, and requires completing full K-A sequences by suit.
Mrs. Mop
Difficulty: (Hard) | Win Rate: ~10-20%
What makes it unique: Uses two decks like Spider but with interesting twists involving reserve piles and different building rules.
Setup:
- Thirteen tableau piles
- Deal cards until 12 cards remain
- These 12 cards form a reserve
Rules:
- Build down in alternating colors in tableau
- Sequences of the same suit can be moved as a unit
- Empty columns filled from reserve pile only
- Eight foundations build up from Ace to King by suit
Quick Comparison Table
| Variant | Difficulty | Win Rate | Skill vs Luck | Playtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock Solitaire | ~1% | 5% / 95% | 2-3 min | |
| Golf | 30-45% | 60% / 40% | 3-5 min | |
| TriPeaks | 50-60% | 55% / 45% | 3-5 min | |
| Pyramid | 0.5-5.5% | 40% / 60% | 3-5 min | |
| Eight Off | ~95% | 95% / 5% | 8-12 min | |
| Gaps/Montana | 15-25% | 80% / 20% | 8-12 min | |
| Wasp | 25-35% | 100% / 0% | 10-15 min | |
| Baker's Game | ~75% | 95% / 5% | 10-15 min | |
| Yukon | 15-25% | 70% / 30% | 10-20 min | |
| Scorpion | 15-20% | 75% / 25% | 10-20 min | |
| Russian Solitaire | 20-30% | 75% / 25% | 10-20 min | |
| Mrs. Mop | 10-20% | 70% / 30% | 15-25 min | |
| Accordion | <1% | 30% / 70% | 5-8 min | |
| Forty Thieves | 5-10% | 80% / 20% | 15-30 min | |
| Canfield | 3-8% | 70% / 30% | 5-10 min |
Which Variant Should You Try?
If You Like Klondike, Try:
- Yukon: Similar layout but more strategic depth
- Canfield: More challenging version with unique reserve pile
- Russian Solitaire: Yukon's suit-restricted cousin
If You Like FreeCell, Try:
- Baker's Game: FreeCell with suit building
- Eight Off: More reserves, slightly easier
- Wasp: Perfect information puzzle with no reserves
If You Like Spider, Try:
- Scorpion: Similar same-suit building with Yukon-style movement
- Forty Thieves: Two-deck challenge with strict building rules
- Mrs. Mop: Spider meets reserve management
If You Want Quick Games, Try:
- Golf: Fast-paced, 3-5 minutes
- TriPeaks: Quick and satisfying
- Clock: 2-minute luck-based fun
If You Want Pure Strategy Puzzles, Try:
- Wasp: All cards visible, pure logic
- Gaps: Spatial reasoning challenge
- Baker's Game: Minimal luck, maximum planning
If You Want Extremely Difficult Games, Try:
- Forty Thieves: Long, complex, requires patience
- Canfield: Notoriously difficult casino game
- Accordion: Nearly impossible but quick to try
Learning New Variants
Tips for Mastering New Games
- Read rules twice: Make sure you understand before starting
- Play several games: Don't judge after just one attempt
- Use undo liberally: Learn the mechanics without pressure
- Find patterns: Most variants reward similar strategic thinking
- Join communities: Discuss strategies with other players
Building Your Solitaire Repertoire
Rather than learning all variants at once:
- Master one game in each category (building, pairing, strategy, luck)
- Learn variations of your favorites (e.g., Spider 1-suit ā 2-suit ā 4-suit)
- Challenge yourself progressively with harder variants
- Return to easier games when you want relaxation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solitaire variants exist?
Thousands! The most comprehensive collections document over 500 distinct variants, with new variations being created regularly. This guide covers the most popular and historically significant ones.
What's the hardest solitaire variant?
By win rate, Accordion (<1%) and Canfield (3-8%) are among the hardest. By skill requirement, Forty Thieves and 4-suit Spider demand the most strategic thinking. By frustration factor, many consider Pyramid's low win rate (0.5-5.5%) combined with the illusion of control to be particularly challenging.
Are there multiplayer solitaire variants?
Yes! Competitive solitaire involves multiple players racing to complete the same deal, or variations like Double Solitaire (Nerts/Racing Demon) where players share foundation piles and race against each other in real-time.
Which variant is most like Klondike?
Yukon is extremely similar in layout and goal, but allows moving partial sequences. For a more challenging Klondike-style game, try Canfield, which adds a reserve pile and randomized foundation start.
Can you make money playing solitaire variants?
Historically, yes - Canfield was a popular gambling game. Today, some apps offer cash prizes for tournament play, but professional solitaire players are rare. Most play for enjoyment, mental exercise, and the satisfaction of mastering difficult variants.
Do solitaire variants improve cognitive function?
Research suggests solitaire games, particularly strategy-heavy variants like FreeCell and Spider, can help maintain cognitive function, improve pattern recognition, and provide beneficial mental exercise. Strategic variants that require planning ahead may offer more cognitive benefits than luck-based games.
Ready to Expand Your Solitaire Horizons?
Don't limit yourself to just Klondike! These diverse variants offer fresh challenges, unique gameplay mechanics, and countless hours of entertainment. Pick a variant that matches your skill level and interests, and start exploring the rich world of solitaire.
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