Solitaire is the go-to solo card game for many, but it’s far from the only one. If you’re looking to shake up your solo card game routine with something familiar yet different, there are several excellent options that use nothing more than a standard deck of cards. These traditional games often vary in complexity and style. Here are some of the best solo card games that serve as strong alternatives to classic Solitaire.
Clock Patience
Clock Patience is a luck-driven game with a unique layout that resembles a clock face. The goal is to place all the cards in the correct positions without revealing the four Kings too early. To play, deal thirteen piles of four cards each, arranged in a circle to resemble the numbers on a clock, with a thirteenth pile in the center. Turn over the top card from the center pile and place it under the corresponding pile by number – Aces represent 1, Jacks 11, Queens 12, and Kings 13 (center pile). You then turn over the top card of the new pile and repeat the process. The game ends when all cards are placed correctly or when all four Kings are revealed, signalling a loss.
Accordion
Accordion is a patience game where the objective is to compress the entire deck into one pile through a series of moves based on matching cards. Lay the entire deck out in a single row. You can move a card onto the one directly before it or three cards before it if they share the same suit or rank. After each move, the cards shift to close the gap. The challenge lies in planning ahead, as the wrong move can make future progress impossible. Winning means successfully stacking all the cards into one pile, which is rare but rewarding.
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo offers a mix of pattern recognition and strategy. Lay out a five-by-five grid of cards. Your goal is to remove adjacent pairs of the same rank, whether side-by-side, above and below, or diagonal. Once you’ve removed all the visible pairs, shift the remaining cards left to fill gaps, then refill the grid from the remaining deck. Repeat this process until no more moves are possible. A win occurs when all cards are successfully removed or when only unmatched single cards remain in the last few rounds.
Pyramid
Pyramid is a quick and satisfying game based on simple math. Arrange the cards in a pyramid of seven rows, with each card partially covering the two below it. The goal is to remove cards in pairs that add up to thirteen, with Kings removed on their own. Only fully uncovered cards can be used. Once you’ve gone through the draw pile and used all possible matches, the game ends. Success is measured by how many cards you can clear from the pyramid. You can read the full explanation on how to set up and play Pyramid here.
Canfield (Demon)
Canfield, also known as Demon, is a tougher variant of traditional Solitaire. You begin with a reserve pile of thirteen cards, a single card to start the foundation, and four tableau piles. Cards can be built in descending order with alternating colours, and foundations are built up in the same suit, starting from the foundation base card. The reserve pile adds a twist, as you can only use its top card. Canfield has a much lower win rate than classic Solitaire but offers a great challenge for more experienced players.
Streets and Alleys
Streets and Alleys is a variation of the well-known Beleaguered Castle. The aim is to build up all four suits from Ace to King in the foundation piles. The tableau is dealt into eight piles, and only the top card of each pile is available. You can move cards onto others in descending order, regardless of suit, but you must think carefully about freeing up Aces and keeping options open. This game rewards planning and patience, with few lucky breaks.
Aces Up
Aces Up is a minimalist game with a simple goal – remove all cards except the four Aces. Start by dealing four cards face up. If two or more of the cards are the same suit, you may remove the lower-ranked one. Keep dealing new cards into the four piles and removing as appropriate. Empty piles can be filled with new cards from the deck. You win if only the four Aces remain at the end. It’s quick to play and easy to learn, making it a great filler game.
Bonus Pick: Mahjong Solitaire
Though it uses tiles instead of playing cards, Mahjong Solitaire has earned a place alongside traditional solo games thanks to its widespread popularity and simple, meditative gameplay. The objective is to remove all tiles from the board by matching pairs of identical tiles. Only tiles that are “free” (meaning they have no tile on top and at least one side exposed) can be matched and removed. The tiles are typically arranged on the board in layered formations, often resembling a pyramid or other intricate shapes. The challenge lies in making matches that don’t trap other tiles underneath. While luck plays a role in the initial layout, successful completion often requires careful planning, forethought, and memory. It’s a relaxing yet mentally engaging alternative to card-based solitaire games.
Each of these traditional solo card games provides a fresh take on solo play with nothing but a standard deck. You can also read up on how to set up and play traditional Solitaire here, or its popular Spider variant, here.
