When we think of card games, we often imagine a group of friends gathered around a table, competing against each other. However, what if you’re in the mood for a game but don’t have anyone to play with?
The good news is that there are many solo card games out there that can provide hours of entertainment. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best solo card games and how to play them.
1. Solitaire
Solitaire is perhaps the most well-known solo card game out there.
It’s easy to learn and requires just a standard deck of playing cards. The objective of the game is to move all 52 cards from the tableau (the seven columns of cards) to the foundation piles (four stacks of cards) in ascending order by suit.
To start, shuffle the deck and deal out seven columns of cards face down, with each column having one more card than the previous one. The top card in each column should be turned face up. The remaining cards form a draw pile.
The player then begins to move cards around on the tableau, trying to create runs in descending order and alternating colors. For example, a red eight can be placed on top of a black nine. A run can be moved as long as it maintains its descending order and alternating colors.
If you get stuck, you can draw from the draw pile one card at a time and try to use it on the tableau or foundation piles. However, once you’ve gone through the draw pile once, you cannot go through it again.
The game is won when all 52 cards have been moved to the foundation piles.
2. FreeCell
FreeCell is another popular solo card game that requires just one standard deck of playing cards. The objective of FreeCell is to move all 52 cards to the foundation piles in ascending order by suit.
To start, deal out eight columns of cards face down, with the first four columns having seven cards and the last four columns having six cards.
Unlike Solitaire, players can move cards around freely in FreeCell. However, only one card can be moved at a time, and there are only four “free cells” that can hold one card each at a time. These free cells can be used to temporarily hold cards while you try to create runs on the tableau. Once you’ve gone through the draw pile once, you cannot go through it again.
3. Pyramid
Pyramid is a fun solo card game that requires a bit more strategy than Solitaire or FreeCell. The objective of Pyramid is to remove all the cards from the pyramid by pairing them up with other cards that have a combined value of 13.
To start, deal out 28 cards in the shape of a pyramid (seven rows with one card in the first row, two in the second row, etc.).
The player then pairs up any two exposed cards that have a combined value of 13 (Kings are worth 13 on their own). These paired cards are removed from play. Cards cannot be paired up if they are covered by other cards in the pyramid.
If you get stuck, you can draw from the draw pile one card at a time. However, if you go through the draw pile once without being able to make any more pairs, the game is over.
The game is won when all cards have been paired up and removed from the pyramid.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many solo card games out there. Whether you’re looking for a quick game to pass the time or a more challenging strategy game, there’s sure to be a solo card game that’s perfect for you. So grab a deck of cards and start playing!