How to Play Single-Player Card Game

Solitaire is the card game you play on your own. This guide explains the layout, the rules and smart moves that help you win more often.

What is Single-Player Card Game?

Our Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck. The goal is to move every card to the four foundation piles, one pile per suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades), in order from Ace up to King. Cards are dealt into seven columns called the tableau. In the tableau you build down in alternating colours, for example a red 7 on a black 8. Extra cards come from the stock pile.

How to play Single-Player Card Game

Drag cards with the mouse or your finger. Click the stock pile to turn over new cards.

Step by step

1. Move any Aces to the foundation piles as soon as you see them.
2. In the columns, place cards in descending order with alternating colours (red on black, black on red).
3. Move whole stacks between columns when the top card fits.
4. Only a King (or a stack starting with a King) can go in an empty column.
5. Turn cards from the stock when you run out of moves.
6. Win by building all four suits from Ace to King.

Strategy tips to play better

• Always look for moves in the columns before drawing from the stock.
• Prioritise moves that turn over a face-down card; hidden cards are what block you.
• Work on the columns with the most face-down cards first.
• Do not empty a column unless you have a King ready to move into it.
• Do not rush cards to the foundation if you still need them to build on in the columns.

What kids learn

• Number order
• Sorting by colour and suit
• Planning ahead
• Patience

For parents and teachers

Solitaire builds sequencing and sorting skills and teaches kids to plan. It suits kids from about age 7 and adults alike.