Solitaire is a popular pastime for bored people, but the original version of the game can become stale after a while. It’s usually loaded automatically onto our smart devices, so there’s no way to get around playing it eventually. But what if there were other versions of solitaire card games that we’re missing out on? Could we be having a lot more fun? The answer is yes.
5 solitaire card games for boredom
There are a bunch of different versions of solitaire because the game is simple and perfect for solo players. You don’t need an opponent to win yet your victory isn’t always promised. Play one of these five awesome solitaire card games the next time you’re bored, alone, and in need of a good challenge:
Pyramid Solitaire
Originally included in the 1990’s Windows package, Pyramid solitaire uses a big triangle instead of a straight line. The objective is to eliminate cards by discarding pairs that add up to 13.
Forty Thieves Solitaire
This is a two-deck version that was first made popular by Napoleon Bonaparte. He played in while in exile (supposedly) and you win by building 8 foundations starting with the Ace while maintaining the suit.
Bridge Solitaire
In Bridge Solitaire, you essentially combine the rules of traditional solitaire with the bridge card game. It’s much more difficult to master but it kills a lot more time because of that.
Black Hole Solitaire
You play Black Hole Solitaire a lot like golf. The object is to win through fortitude and strategy. Simply get rid of cards based on consecutive rank by sinking them into the “black hole” discard pile.
Clock Solitaire
Clock Solitaire is all about luck because once you make a move, there’s nothing you can do to change its effects. The object is to beat the clock by turning all the other cards face-up before the four kings are revealed.
Tips for winning the game of solitaire
It’s not always easy to win at solitaire, even if your only opponent is yourself. It’s tougher to score a victory when your mind is elsewhere, so pay close attention to every move you make. The point of the game is to distract you for a while, so let it happen. If the game gets too difficult or you mess something up, see if there are any undo options or just restart the game. There are few rules when it comes to playing with yourself.
The takeaway
Solitaire card games have been around for a very long time. The gameplay options have therefore expanded because people enjoy playing it so much. That’s why you don’t have to just sit there being bored anymore. It’s possible to have a really good time even if you don’t have a friend to hang out with right now. These types of games are especially handy on long trips and in waiting rooms. They’re easy to play, take up little room on your device’s OS, and can help kill time when other activities just won’t do.