Solitaire is not a single game — it is an entire family of card games designed for one player. Over the centuries, card game enthusiasts and mathematicians have created more than 500 known solitaire variants, each with its own rules, strategies, and character. From the universally recognized Klondike to obscure curiosities like Accordion and Calculation, the world of solitaire offers something for every type of player. This comprehensive guide explores the most popular solitaire card game variations, compares their mechanics and difficulty levels, and helps you find the perfect variant for your skill level and mood.
Whether you are a seasoned card player looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner wondering what lies beyond the classic game, this guide will walk you through the most important categories of solitaire and highlight the differences that make each variant unique. You can play many of these games for free at Solitaires.gg.
Solitaire Variants at a Glance
The following table compares the most popular solitaire variants across several key dimensions. Use it as a quick reference to find a game that matches your preferences.
| Variant | Decks | Difficulty | Win Rate | Key Mechanic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klondike | 1 | Medium | ~30% | Alternating-color tableau building |
| FreeCell | 1 | Medium | ~82% | Free cells for temporary storage |
| Spider | 2 | Hard | ~33% | Same-suit sequence building |
| Yukon | 1 | Medium–Hard | ~25% | Move any face-up group |
| Canfield | 1 | Hard | ~10% | Reserve pile with random foundation start |
| Pyramid | 1 | Easy–Medium | ~2% | Pair cards summing to 13 |
| Golf | 1 | Easy | ~5% | Sequential removal to waste |
| TriPeaks | 1 | Easy | ~90% | Three peaks with sequential matching |
| Clock | 1 | Easy | ~1% | Clock-face layout, pure luck |
| Baker's Dozen | 1 | Medium | ~75% | All cards visible, no empty column rule |
Tableau-Building Games
Tableau-building games are the most recognizable family of solitaire variants. In these games, the player arranges cards in descending sequences across columns (the tableau) and transfers completed sequences to foundation piles. The challenge lies in uncovering hidden cards and managing limited space.
Klondike
Klondike is the definitive solitaire game — the one most people picture when they hear the word “Solitaire.” It uses a single 52-card deck dealt into seven tableau columns of increasing length, with the remaining cards forming a stock pile. Players build the tableau in descending order with alternating colors (red on black, black on red) and move completed suits to four foundation piles from Ace to King.
Klondike strikes a satisfying balance between luck and skill. Hidden face-down cards add uncertainty, while the draw pile introduces decisions about timing and sequencing. The Draw 1 variant offers a more forgiving experience with roughly a 30% win rate, whereas Draw 3 demands tighter play and yields win rates around 10–15%. It remains the most played card game in the world, partly thanks to its inclusion in Microsoft Windows since 1990.
FreeCell
FreeCell is often considered the thinking player's solitaire. Unlike Klondike, every card is dealt face-up at the start, which eliminates hidden information entirely. The game provides four “free cells” — temporary storage spaces that can each hold a single card. Players must use these cells strategically to maneuver cards across eight tableau columns, building sequences in alternating colors and moving completed suits to four foundations.
Because all information is visible from the start, FreeCell is almost entirely a game of skill. An astonishing 99.999% of deals are theoretically solvable, and experienced players regularly achieve win rates above 82%. The key to mastering FreeCell is planning several moves ahead and preserving free cells for critical moments. It rewards patience and analytical thinking more than any other solitaire variant.
Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding solitaire variants. It uses two full decks (104 cards) dealt across ten tableau columns. The objective is to build complete descending sequences of the same suit from King to Ace within the tableau. When a full 13-card sequence is completed, it is automatically removed from play.
Spider is commonly played in three difficulty modes: one suit (easiest, using only Spades), two suits (intermediate, using Spades and Hearts), and four suits (the full challenge). Even in one-suit mode, Spider demands careful planning because cards can only be moved as a group if they form a same-suit descending sequence. The stock pile provides additional cards when you run out of moves, but each deal fills every column, which can disrupt carefully built sequences.
Yukon
Yukon is a Klondike relative that removes the stock pile entirely. Instead, all 52 cards are dealt into the tableau at the start, with extra cards dealt face-up across columns two through seven. The most distinctive rule in Yukon is that you can move any face-up card along with all cards on top of it, regardless of whether the group forms a proper sequence.
This rule makes Yukon feel more open and dynamic than Klondike. Skilled players can execute dramatic multi-card moves to uncover hidden cards quickly. However, the lack of a stock pile means there is no safety net — every card you need is somewhere in the tableau, and finding the right order of moves is the entire puzzle. Yukon has an estimated win rate of about 25% with skilled play.
Canfield
Canfield (sometimes called Demon in the UK) is a fast-paced solitaire variant originally played in casinos. It uses a single deck with a 13-card reserve pile, a four-column tableau, and a stock pile drawn three cards at a time. The foundation starting card is determined randomly — rather than always starting with Aces, you might begin with Sevens or Jacks, and the foundations wrap around (King → Ace → 2 and so on).
Canfield is notoriously difficult, with win rates hovering around 10% or lower. The small tableau and large reserve pile create tight constraints, and the random foundation start adds an extra layer of complexity. Despite its difficulty, Canfield is beloved for its fast pace and the excitement of trying to beat the odds.
Matching and Pairing Games
Matching and pairing games take a fundamentally different approach to solitaire. Instead of building sequences on a tableau and transferring them to foundations, these games ask you to remove cards by pairing or matching them according to specific rules. They tend to be quicker to play and more accessible to beginners.
Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire arranges 28 cards in a pyramid formation of seven overlapping rows. The objective is to remove all cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that sum to 13. For example, a 6 and a 7 can be paired, a Queen (12) and an Ace (1) can be paired, and Kings (13) are removed on their own. A card can only be selected if it is fully exposed — meaning no other cards overlap it from the row below.
Pyramid Solitaire is deceptively tricky. Although the rules are simple, the win rate is surprisingly low (around 2% in standard rules) because the pyramid structure severely limits which cards are accessible at any given time. Strategic players learn to plan removals carefully, sometimes leaving a useful pair intact to uncover more valuable cards beneath.
Golf Solitaire
Golf Solitaire deals 35 cards into seven columns of five cards each. A single foundation card is turned up from the remaining stock. The goal is to clear all tableau cards by placing them on the foundation one at a time — each card played must be exactly one rank higher or lower than the current foundation card, regardless of suit. When you cannot play, you draw from the stock to create a new foundation card.
Golf is a fast, casual game that takes just a few minutes per round. Its simplicity makes it an excellent introduction to solitaire for new players. However, the strict sequential matching rule means that many deals are unwinnable. The strategic element lies in choosing the order of available cards when multiple options exist, aiming to create the longest possible chain of plays.
TriPeaks
TriPeaks (also written as Tri Peaks or Three Peaks) arranges cards into three overlapping pyramid shapes on the tableau. Like Golf, you remove cards by selecting those that are one rank higher or lower than the current foundation card. Cards in the peaks can only be selected once they are uncovered by removing the cards that overlap them.
TriPeaks is one of the most accessible and enjoyable solitaire variants, with a high win rate (roughly 90%) that keeps players feeling successful and motivated. The three-peak layout creates natural sub-goals — clearing each peak feels like a small victory on the way to completing the full game. The combination of high win rates, fast play, and satisfying cascading reveals makes TriPeaks a favorite among casual players.
Other Notable Variants
Beyond the major categories, dozens of creative solitaire variants offer unique twists on the core concept. Here are several worth exploring.
Clock (Grandfather's Clock)
Clock Solitaire (also called Grandfather's Clock or Travellers) deals all 52 cards into 13 piles of four cards each, arranged in a clock-face pattern with one pile in the center. Each position on the clock corresponds to a card rank (the 1 o'clock position represents Aces, 2 o'clock represents Twos, and so on, with Kings in the center). You flip cards from each pile and place them at their corresponding clock position.
Clock Solitaire is entirely luck-based — there are no decisions to make. You simply flip and place cards until you either complete the clock or get stuck when all four Kings end up in the center pile before the other piles are complete. The win rate is very low (around 1%), but the game is hypnotically relaxing to play and takes less than two minutes per round.
Accordion
Accordion (also known as Methuselah or Idle Year) deals all 52 cards in a single row. You can stack a card on top of the card one position to its left or three positions to its left, provided the cards share the same suit or the same rank. The goal is to compress the entire row into a single pile, like closing an accordion.
Accordion is deceptively simple in concept but extremely difficult to win. The game requires careful consideration of which matches to make and which to skip, as an early match might prevent a more valuable one later. It is an excellent exercise in forward thinking and one of the oldest known solitaire variants.
Calculation
Calculation is one of the most intellectually stimulating solitaire games. Four foundation cards (Ace, Two, Three, and Four) are placed at the start. Each foundation is built up by its own counting interval: the Ace foundation counts by ones (A, 2, 3, 4...), the Two foundation counts by twos (2, 4, 6, 8...), the Three foundation by threes (3, 6, 9, Q...), and the Four foundation by fours (4, 8, Q, 3...). All sequences wrap around and end at King.
The mathematical nature of Calculation makes it unique among solitaire games. A skilled player who manages the four waste piles carefully can win a surprisingly high percentage of deals. It is purely a game of skill with no hidden information, making it a favorite among players who enjoy logic puzzles.
Baker's Dozen
Baker's Dozen deals all 52 cards face-up into 13 columns of four cards each. Kings are always moved to the bottom of their columns during the deal, ensuring they do not block other cards. Players build four foundation piles from Ace to King, moving only the top card of each column. Unlike many other variants, empty columns cannot be filled with any card.
Baker's Dozen is an excellent variant for intermediate players. Because all cards are visible from the start, it rewards planning and foresight. The win rate is high (around 75%), which makes it satisfying to play while still presenting genuine strategic challenges. The rule that prevents filling empty columns adds a constraint that keeps the game interesting.
Choosing the Right Variant for You
With so many solitaire variants available, choosing one can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors to find your ideal match.
By Skill Level
- Beginners: Start with TriPeaks or Golf. Their simple rules and quick rounds let you learn the fundamentals of card management without frustration.
- Intermediate players: Move on to Klondike or Baker's Dozen. These games introduce hidden cards, sequencing decisions, and foundation strategy.
- Advanced players: FreeCell, Spider (four suits), and Canfield offer deep strategic challenges that reward careful analysis and planning.
By Time Available
- Under 5 minutes: Clock, Golf, and TriPeaks are fast games perfect for short breaks.
- 5–15 minutes: Klondike, FreeCell, Pyramid, and Baker's Dozen offer a satisfying session without a major time commitment.
- 15+ minutes: Spider (especially four-suit), Yukon, and Calculation can absorb longer stretches of focused attention.
By Mood
- Relaxing: TriPeaks and Clock provide a laid-back experience with minimal decision pressure.
- Mentally stimulating: FreeCell and Calculation engage your analytical skills and reward methodical thinking.
- Challenging and intense: Spider (four suits), Canfield, and Yukon test even expert players and deliver a genuine sense of accomplishment on each win.
The Evolution of Solitaire Variants Over Centuries
The origins of solitaire are somewhat murky, but the earliest known references to single-player card games date to the late 18th century in Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltic region. The German game of “Patiencen” and the French “Réussites” (meaning “successes”) appear in written records from the 1780s and 1790s. Napoleon Bonaparte was famously said to have played Patience during his exile on St. Helena, though some historians debate whether the specific games attributed to him were actually invented during that period.
By the mid-19th century, solitaire had become a popular pastime across Europe, and books documenting the rules of various games began to appear. Lady Adelaide Cadogan published “Illustrated Games of Patience” in 1870, one of the first major English-language compilations. Throughout the Victorian era, new variants proliferated as players experimented with different layouts, rules, and objectives.
The 20th century brought two transformative moments for solitaire. First, the standardization of rules through widely distributed game books helped establish canonical versions of Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, and others. Second, the digital revolution — particularly Microsoft's inclusion of Klondike Solitaire in Windows 3.0 (1990) and FreeCell in Windows 95 — introduced hundreds of millions of people to these games. The computer era also enabled the creation of variants that would be impractical with physical cards, such as games with complex scoring systems or automatic card movements.
Today, the tradition continues with online platforms like Solitaires.gg that offer dozens of variants with modern features like undo, hints, statistics tracking, and daily challenges. The fundamental appeal remains unchanged: solitaire offers a quiet, personal challenge that sharpens the mind and passes the time in a deeply satisfying way.
For definitions of common terms used across all solitaire games, see our Solitaire Glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solitaire variants exist?
There are more than 500 documented solitaire variants, and the number continues to grow as enthusiasts create new games. The most popular variants — Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Pyramid, TriPeaks, and Golf — account for the vast majority of games played worldwide. Many lesser-known variants are preserved in card game reference books and online databases.
Which solitaire variant has the highest win rate?
FreeCell has the highest win rate among popular solitaire variants. Nearly all FreeCell deals (99.999%) are theoretically solvable, and experienced players regularly achieve win rates above 80%. TriPeaks also offers very high win rates (around 90%) with more casual gameplay.
What is the hardest solitaire variant?
Among widely played variants, Spider Solitaire with four suits is considered one of the most difficult, as it demands long-range planning across ten columns using two decks. Canfield is another notoriously difficult game with win rates around 10%. For pure mathematical challenge, Calculation is hard to beat.
Is Klondike the original solitaire game?
No. While Klondike is by far the most famous solitaire game today, it is not the oldest. Solitaire card games have been documented since the late 1700s in Europe, and many variants predate Klondike. Klondike's rise to dominance came largely through its inclusion in Microsoft Windows in 1990, which made it the default solitaire experience for an entire generation of computer users.