Types of Solitaire Games: Klondike, Spider, FreeCell and More
"Solitaire" (or "Patience") isn't one game but hundreds: any card game you play alone. Here are the ones most people know, and how they differ.
The big three
Klondike: "Solitaire"
Seven columns, hidden cards, a stock to draw from, and four foundations built up from Ace to King. Build down on the table in alternating colours. When people say "Solitaire", they nearly always mean Klondike. Play Klondike.
Spider Solitaire
Two packs, ten columns. Instead of foundations, you build full King-to-Ace runs of one suit on the table, and each finished run leaves. Choose 1, 2 or 4 suits for easy, medium or very hard. Play Spider.
FreeCell
One pack, eight columns, every card face up, and four "free cells" to hold cards for a while. Almost every deal can be won, so it's the game of skill. Play FreeCell.
Quick comparison
| Game | Packs | Hidden cards? | Luck vs skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klondike | 1 | Yes | Mixed |
| Spider | 2 | Yes | Skill, more with 4 suits |
| FreeCell | 1 | No | Almost all skill |
| Pyramid | 1 | Partly | Mostly luck |
| TriPeaks / Golf | 1 | Partly | Mostly luck, quick |
Other patience games you may meet
- Pyramid: remove pairs of cards that add up to 13 from a pyramid of 28 cards.
- TriPeaks and Golf: clear cards one rank higher or lower than the top of the waste pile. Fast and simple.
- Yukon: like Klondike with no stock, where you can move any face-up group of cards.
- Forty Thieves: a hard two-pack game where only one card moves at a time.
Which should you start with?
Start with Klondike Draw 1 to learn building down and foundations. Then try FreeCell to learn planning, and Spider 1 suit for something relaxing with two packs. When you want a challenge, go for Klondike Draw 3 or Spider with 2 suits.
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FAQ
What is the most popular type of solitaire?
Klondike, the version that came with Windows. Spider and FreeCell are next.
Is patience the same as solitaire?
Yes. 'Patience' is the British name; 'solitaire' is the American one. Both mean card games played alone.
Which solitaire game needs the most skill?
FreeCell, because all cards are visible and almost every deal can be won with good planning.