Types of Solitaire Games: A Complete Guide to Every Variant
There are hundreds of solitaire variations, but eight stand out as the most popular. Here's a complete guide to every major type of solitaire card game.
More Than Just Klondike
When most people say "Solitaire," they mean Klondike. But solitaire is actually a vast category of single-player card games with hundreds of variants. Each type offers a different challenge, from the relaxing simplicity of Golf to the punishing difficulty of Forty Thieves.
Here is a guide to the eight most popular solitaire variants, ordered from most to least well-known.
1. Klondike Solitaire
The classic. Deal seven tableau columns with increasing lengths, draw from a stock pile, and build four foundations from Ace to King by suit. Tableau columns are built in descending order with alternating colors.
Difficulty: Medium | Win Rate: ~80% (theoretical), ~25% (practical) | Decks: 1
Why play it: Familiar rules, perfect balance of luck and skill, quick games.
2. Spider Solitaire
The multi-deck challenge. Use two decks (104 cards) across ten tableau columns. Build same-suit descending sequences from King to Ace. Complete sequences are removed from the board.
Difficulty: Easy (1-suit) to Very Hard (4-suit) | Win Rate: 99% (1-suit) to under 10% (4-suit) | Decks: 2
Why play it: Scalable difficulty, deeply satisfying when you build long same-suit runs.
3. FreeCell Solitaire
The pure puzzle. All 52 cards are dealt face-up into eight columns. Use four "free cells" as temporary storage. Build foundations from Ace to King by suit.
Difficulty: Medium-Hard | Win Rate: ~99.999% | Decks: 1
Why play it: Nearly every game is winnable, making it a true test of skill with no luck involved.
4. Pyramid Solitaire
The pairing game. Remove pairs of exposed cards that add up to 13 from a 28-card pyramid. Kings are removed alone (value 13).
Difficulty: Medium-Hard | Win Rate: ~2% | Decks: 1
Why play it: Unique pairing mechanic, quick games, and the rare wins feel incredibly satisfying.
5. Yukon Solitaire
Klondike's wild cousin. All 52 cards are dealt to seven columns (no stock pile). Any face-up card can be moved regardless of sequence.
Difficulty: Hard | Win Rate: ~80% (theoretical) | Decks: 1
Why play it: Flexible movement rules create exciting tactical possibilities not found in Klondike.
6. Golf Solitaire
The speed game. Clear seven columns of five cards by playing cards that are one rank higher or lower than the discard pile. Lower score (fewer remaining cards) is better.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium | Win Rate: ~10-15% | Decks: 1
Why play it: Games take just 2-3 minutes, simple rules, great for quick breaks.
7. TriPeaks Solitaire
The chain builder. Clear three overlapping peaks by playing cards one rank up or down from the discard. Consecutive plays without drawing build streak multipliers.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium | Win Rate: ~90% | Decks: 1
Why play it: High win rate, addictive streak scoring, fast-paced gameplay.
8. Forty Thieves Solitaire
The expert's game. Two decks, ten columns of four face-up cards, and eight foundations. Build by same suit, and only one card can be moved at a time.
Difficulty: Very Hard | Win Rate: ~10% | Decks: 2
Why play it: The ultimate solitaire challenge for experienced players who find other variants too easy.
Choosing Your Variant
For beginners: Start with Klondike or one-suit Spider. Both have familiar mechanics and reasonable win rates.
For casual play: Golf and TriPeaks offer quick games with simple rules.
For strategy enthusiasts: FreeCell and Yukon reward careful planning and deep thinking.
For a challenge: Four-suit Spider and Forty Thieves will test even the most experienced solitaire players.
The best approach? Try them all. Each variant has a different feel, and you might be surprised which one becomes your favorite.
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