How to play solitaire: learn the simple step-by-step guide and always win

It's a great way to train patience (yes, the name gives it away) and concentration.

If you’re curious to learn how to play solitaire, you’re about to discover a game that combines challenge and relaxation. That’s right, this classic card game is perfect for those who want to spend time alone, but it also requires a bit of strategy.

The game is quite simple, so the secret is to understand the basic rules and practice a lot. The goal is to organize the cards in descending sequences and by suit, but don't worry if you make mistakes at the beginning – it's part of the learning process. Stay until the end and learn how to play solitaire.

1.  Use a deck of 52 cards

To get started, you'll need a deck of 52 cards, with no jokers. This is the standard for the game, and using a full deck ensures that all sequences and suits work properly. If you're missing any cards, the game may become bogged down.

Additionally, a new or well-maintained deck makes it easier to shuffle and deal the cards. So if your deck is old, it might be time to invest in a new one. After all, the quality of the cards can make all the difference in your experience.

So, have you sorted your deck yet? If not, take the opportunity to check that it is complete and in good condition. Then, just shuffle it and start building your columns. You'll see how a 52-card deck is essential for the game to flow smoothly.

2.  Deal 7 columns of cards face down

Now that you have the deck in hand, the next step is to deal 7 columns of cards face down. The first column will have one card, the second two, and so on, up to the seventh column, which will have seven cards. Sounds confusing? In practice, it's simpler than it seems.

After dealing the cards, you will turn the last card in each column face up. These are the cards you can use to start building your sequences. If any of the cards are an ace, for example, they can be moved to the bottom of the suits.

If you haven't managed to set up the columns yet, don't worry: it's normal to make mistakes the first few times. The important thing is to make sure that each column has the right amount of cards and that the last ones are face up. After that, just start playing and have fun.

3.  Move cards in descending order and alternating colors

Now that the cards are face down, it's time to move them in descending order and alternating colors. This means that if you have a black 10, for example, you can place it on top of a red jack. After all, the idea is to create sequences that go from king to ace, always alternating between red and black.

Of course, this rule is what gives the game its 'spice', because requires a bit of strategy and planning. In this sense, you need to think about which card to move first to release others that are hidden.

And don’t worry if it seems a little confusing at first. With practice, you’ll get the hang of it and start seeing the possibilities more quickly.

If you haven't managed to build sequences yet, try starting with the highest cards, such as kings or queens, and work your way down. Remember: the secret is to alternate colors and maintain the descending order. You'll see how the game becomes more dynamic.

4.  Free up spaces with kings for new sequences

When you find a king in the game, know that it is an important piece to free up spaces. In other words, kings are the only cards that can be placed in empty columns, opening the way for new sequences. This is because, as they are the highest cards, there is no way to stack anything on top of them.

When moving a king to an empty space, you gain more flexibility to rearrange the other cards. For example, if you have a sequence that starts with a black queen, you can move it to the space the king left. This frees up more hidden cards and increases your chances of winning.

This is certainly a move that can completely change the course of the game, giving you the breathing room you needed to continue. Keep going and you'll see what a difference it makes.

5.  Complete the suits from Ace to King to win

The ultimate goal is to complete the playing cards from Ace to King and that is what will guarantee your victory. When you find an ace, move it to the foundation area, which is where the suits will be built. From there, simply add the cards in ascending order, following the same suit: ace, 2, 3 and so on.

As you release cards from the columns or the deck, complete the suits. For example, if you have a 2 of hearts, place it on the ace of hearts. So the challenge is to unlock the right cards at the right time, so plan each move carefully.

And don't be sad if you think you're not succeeding. Over time, you'll see the suits forming and, before you know it, you'll be celebrating your victory. Remember to practice a lot and that mistakes are part of the process.

Some tips to help you

An important tip is to always prioritize releasing hidden cards. When you move a card from a column, the one below becomes visible and this can open up new opportunities. So, before making a move, think: 'will this help me reveal more cards?'.

Another strategy is to try keep the kings in separate columns, if possible. Since they are the highest cards, leaving them alone can make it easier to create new sequences. Also, avoid accumulating too many cards in a single column, as this can limit your options later on.

Finally, don't be afraid to undo your moves if you realize that your play isn't working. After all, the game allows you to rethink your decisions, so use that to your advantage. With these tips, you'll see the difference.

Now that you know how to play solitaire, it's time to grab a deck of cards and start practicing. With patience and strategy, you'll master the game and have a lot of fun. Since you've come this far, here are some of the simulation games and have an immersive journey through infinite worlds. See you later!