How to Play Solitaire: Rules, Tips, and Winning Strategies

Solitaire is one of those games everyone has played but almost nobody knows the rules to. You've probably clicked through a few cards on your computer and called it a day. But there's a real game here, and once you understand how it works, it's genuinely satisfying. Here's how to play Solitaire properly, and how to win more often.

The setup

Solitaire uses a standard deck of 52 cards. You deal out seven columns of cards, with the first column having one card, the second having two, and so on. The top card of each column is face up, and the rest are face down. The rest of the deck goes in a pile, which you draw from. The goal is to move all the cards into four foundation piles, one for each suit, in order from Ace to King.

The basic rules

You can move cards between the seven columns, but you can only place a card on a card that's one rank higher and the opposite color. So a red 5 can go on a black 6, and a black 7 can go on a red 8. You can also move a whole sequence of cards if they're in the right order. And you can move any card to an empty column. The goal is to build up the foundations, starting with Aces.

Always move Aces and Twos first

This is the golden rule of Solitaire. When an Ace appears, move it to a foundation immediately. Aces are the start of every foundation, and they're useless in the columns. The same goes for Twos, once the Ace of that suit is down. The faster you get cards into the foundations, the more room you have in the columns, and the more you can move.

Reveal face-down cards

The face-down cards are the key to winning. You can't win if you can't see them, so your priority should be to reveal them. That means you should move cards off the columns to expose the face-down cards underneath. Don't just move cards around for fun. Every move should be working toward revealing a face-down card or building a foundation.

Don't be afraid to use the draw pile

The draw pile is your lifeline. When you're stuck, you draw from the pile to get new cards. But you should use it wisely. Don't draw a card just because you can. Draw when you're actually stuck, and try to use the cards you draw to make progress. The draw pile is a resource, and you should use it carefully.

Know when to give up

Here's the honest truth: not every game of Solitaire is winnable. Some deals are just bad, and no amount of skill will fix them. If you've made all the obvious moves and you're stuck, it's okay to start a new game. The best players know when to cut their losses and try a better deal. It's not giving up, it's being smart.

Solitaire is a game of patience and strategy. Move your Aces, reveal your face-down cards, and use your empty columns wisely. Do that, and you'll win more than you lose. And even when you lose, it's still a relaxing way to spend a few minutes.