How to play solitaire with cards
Spela solitaire is a classic and entertaining Swedish card game that combines luck and strategy in a way that makes it fun for both children and adults. It's a social game that often brings family and friends together for cosy moments filled with laughter and excitement. With our guide, you can quickly learn the main rules and get started with the game without any hassle. We go through the most requested rules in a simple and clear way, so you can easily understand the game, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player. You'll also get top tips and some clever tricks that can give you an edge at the table. References are provided at the bottom of the page.
Disclaimer
How to play solitaire with cards
Solitaire is a traditional card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards without jokers. The game is known for its balance between luck and strategy, where players must collect sets of cards to win. It is a social game often played in families, at leisure clubs and at social gatherings. Solitaire has a long history and remains popular thanks to its simplicity and entertainment value.
Fact check: Solitaire is one of the most widespread card games in Sweden and comes in many variants, but the basic rules are broadly the same.
Solitaire is a game for 2-6 players, making it flexible for both small and larger groups. It is recommended for players aged around 10 years and above, as the game requires a certain degree of concentration, memory and tactical thinking. The game is therefore ideal for families, school classes, youth groups and friends who want a fun and engaging activity.
Fact check: harp solitaire can be customised for both children and adults by adjusting the difficulty and pace of the game.
Solitaire is mainly played in private homes, leisure clubs, schools and at social events. It only requires a deck of cards and a table, making it easy to take and play almost anywhere. There are also digital versions of the game that can be played on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible to even more people.
Fact check: Digital versions of harp solitaire are available on multiple platforms, which has increased the game's popularity among younger generations.
Solitaire is more than just a game - it's a social activity that promotes socialising, communication and strategic thinking. The game strengthens concentration and memory while creating lots of laughter and fond memories. It is a perfect choice for those who want to have fun and learn at the same time.
Fact check: Studies show that card games such as harp solitaire can improve cognitive and social skills in both children and adults.
Here is an overview of the most popular rules to help you get started quickly.
Cards and arrangements:
The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards without jokers.
The deck is thoroughly mixed.
Each player receives 7 cards (may vary depending on the number of players).
The rest of the cards are placed as a closed draw pile in the centre of the table.
The top card of the draw pile is turned over and placed next to it to start an open pile.
Game play:
The game is played clockwise.
On their turn, a player draws either the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the face-up pile.
The player can then lay down sets of cards in front of them, e.g. three of a kind or four of the same colour.
If the player is unable or unwilling to fold the set, a card must be placed on the face-up pile.
The aim is to get rid of all your cards by forming sets.
The winner:
The game ends when a player puts down all his cards.
Alternatively, the game can end when the draw pile is empty and the player with the most sets wins.
Fact check: Rules may vary slightly regionally, but the above is the most widespread version.
Best practices and tips:
- Start by learning the basic rules properly - it makes the game more fun.
- Keep track of your opponents' cards to anticipate their moves.
- Be strategic when putting down your kits.
- Communicate and have fun - the game is also about socialising.
Special tips:
A good tip is to focus on collecting cards of the same colour early on, as this often results in more points and better control over the progress of the game.
Rating of harp solitaire
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | 4,5 |
| grin | 4 |
| Difficulty level | 3,5 |
| Easy to get started | 5 |
| Easy to learn | 4,5 |
Let's test your maths knowledge
Solitaire - Fun Facts and Short History
Solitaire is one of the most classic and beloved card games in Sweden and worldwide. Often referred to as 'Solitaire' or 'Klondike' in English, the game has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and has evolved from physical cards to digital versions that can be found on almost every computer and mobile device today. It is a game that combines luck and strategy, and has captured people's interest for generations.
Brief history of the solitaire
Harp solitaire has its roots in France in the late 18th century, where it developed as a form of solitaire, a game played alone and requiring patience and strategy. Solitaire games were popular among the aristocracy and were used as a way to pass the time during long hours. The French court was known for its love of card games, and harp solitaire quickly became popular as a pastime among both the nobility and the public.
During the 19th century, the game spread to the United States, where it became particularly popular during the Klondike gold rush, which also gave rise to the game's English name 'Klondike'. The game became a perfect pastime for prospectors during long, lonely nights in the cold and isolated mining camps. This association with the Klondike gold rush contributed to the game's mythology and made it famous worldwide.
In the 20th century, the game evolved further and different variants appeared, such as the Spider Harp and other versions that introduced new rules and challenges. The big breakthrough came when Microsoft included Harp Solitaire in Windows 3.0 in 1990, making the game available to millions of computer users worldwide. This digital breakthrough made harp solitaire one of the most played computer games ever, and it remains a popular pastime on both computers and mobile devices.
Cultural importance and dissemination
Solitaire has not only been a game but also a part of digital culture, especially in Sweden where many people remember their first computers with Windows and Harpoon Solitaire as one of the first programmes they played. The game has also played a role in introducing people to computer use and mouse pointers, as it was one of the first games that many people learnt to navigate with.
In addition to Sweden and the United States, harp solitaire is popular in many other countries, where it goes by different names but with the same basic principles. In Germany it is often called "Solitär", in France "Patience" and in the United Kingdom "Klondike". Despite the variations, the game experience is similar and has a universal appeal.
Fun Facts about Solitaire
Napoleon Bonaparte as an inventor? There is a popular myth that Napoleon invented the harp solitaire while in exile on the island of St Helena. While this is not confirmed, it is a fun story that adds to the mystique and charm of the game.
Divination game: In the Baltic countries, according to some historians, harp solitaire was used as a divination game where the outcome could predict the future or good fortune. This shows how the game sometimes took on a symbolic meaning beyond pure entertainment.
Digital pioneer: The first computer version of harp solitaire was developed by Wes Cherry and Susan Kare for Microsoft Windows 3.0 in 1990. Susan Kare also designed the iconic card images that have become part of the gaming experience and computer game history.
77% solvability: It is estimated that approximately 77% of all harpoon solitaire paths are solvable, making the game both challenging and fair. This means that there is a good chance of winning, but you need to think strategically and plan your moves.
Popular in Sweden: Solitaire has become part of Swedish digital culture and many Swedes have nostalgic memories of playing the game on their first computers. It is also common for harp solitaire to be played in schools and leisure centres as a simple and fun way to train concentration and patience.
Variations of the Solitaire
- In addition to the classic version, there are several popular variants of harp solitaire that offer different challenges:
- Spindle Harp: Played with two decks and is considerably more difficult. The aim is to create coloured sequences from King to Ace.
- Free Harpa (FreeCell): All cards are visible from the start, making the game more strategic and less dependent on luck.
- Pyramid harp: The aim is to remove cards in pairs that add up to 13.
- These variations have helped to keep the game fresh and interesting for new generations.
Fact Check
The Solitaire was probably invented in France in the 18th century and then spread to the rest of Europe and the United States.
Microsoft's 1990 version was a huge success and contributed to its global popularity.
The game has been used both as a pastime and as a divination game in different cultures.
Digital versions are now available on almost all platforms, from computers to smartphones.
Solitaire is known by different names, including Klondike and Solitaire, but the basic rules are broadly the same.
Executive summary
Solitaire is a timeless card game that combines simplicity with strategic depth. Its long history and cultural significance make it more than just a game - it's part of our digital and social culture. Whether you play to relax, challenge yourself or socialise with others, Harp Solitaire offers a fun and engaging experience that has stood the test of time.
With our previous article, you'll get a complete guide to rules and best practices to quickly get started and enjoy the game. And with these fun facts and historical insights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why harp solitaire is so loved around the world.
Sources:
Svenskhistoria.se - Harp - A part of Swedish digital history and pop culture
Factual information
| No | Factual information | Comment / Citation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harpan LLC, a relatively unknown developer, sold four solitaire games to Zynga in 2017 for USD 42.5 million. | Zynga annual report 2017 |
| 2 | Zynga's purchase of Harpan games was part of its strategy to focus on "forever franchises". | Press release from Zynga |
| 3 | The Solitaire app is available for iOS and Android and has millions of downloads globally. | App Store & Google Play statistics |
| 4 | The app features daily challenges where players can earn gold stars and receive monthly rewards. | Harpan solitaire app, features |
| 5 | Solitaire is available with different game modes, including "Vegas mode" and "1 or 3 card draw". | Game description in the app |
| 6 | The game supports both portrait and landscape modes, as well as left- and right-handed play styles. | User settings in the app |
| 7 | Digital versions offer customisable cards and backgrounds to enhance the gaming experience. | Settings of the app |
| 8 | Harpoon Solitaire has built-in features such as automatic card movement and the ability to undo moves. | User manual for the app |
| 9 | The game automatically saves progress and statistics, helping players to track their achievements. | The app's statistics function |
| 10 | Harpan solitaire apps require iOS 13.0 or later and macOS 11.0 with Apple M1 chip or later. | System requirements in the App Store |
| 11 | The game is available in several languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and German. | Language options for the app |
| 12 | Solitaire is classified as suitable for people aged 12 and over with some toning down of content. | App Store age limit |
| 13 | Many apps include in-app purchases to remove adverts and get premium features. | App purchase inside app feature |
| 14 | Solitaire is known for its simple user interface and addictive game mechanics. | User reviews |
| 15 | The game has received high ratings in app stores, e.g. 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play with over 80,000 reviews. | Google Play review |
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the FAQ on playing harp (harp solitaire)
What is Solitaire?
Harpoon Solitaire, also known as Klondike, is the classic solitaire game where the objective is to move all the cards to four basic piles in ascending order from Ace to King, sorted by suit. The game combines luck and strategy and is one of the most played solitaire variants worldwide.
How to prepare the game?
A standard deck of 52 cards without jokers is used. The deck is dealt into seven piles on the board, with the first pile receiving one card, the second two cards, etc. Only the top card of each pile is visible, the rest are hidden. The remaining cards form a draw pile
How do you play Solitaire?
Where can I learn more about Solitaire rules and strategies?
There are many resources online, including websites such as harpangratis.se and spelregel.se, where you can find detailed rules, tips, strategies and free games. Many apps also offer tutorials and daily challenges to improve your skills.
Can you play Solitaire online for free?
Yes, there are many websites and apps where you can play harp solitaire for free without downloading, often without adverts and with different settings for difficulty and game experience.
What is a good strategy to win in Solitaire?
An effective strategy is to prioritise revealing hidden cards as early as possible, building sequences in descending order with alternating colours, and being careful when moving cards to basic piles so as not to lock the game. Using the 'Undo' function in digital versions can also help to test different moves.
Are all harp solitaire solvable?
No, about 77% of all harp solitaire games are solvable, which means that some setups cannot be won depending on the placement of the cards. This makes the game challenging and requires both luck and skill.
Are there different variants of harp solitaire?
Yes, there are several variants, such as Spindle Harp, Free Harp (FreeCell) and Pyramid Harp. These have different rules and levels of difficulty, but the basic principle of organising the cards in sequences and piles is the same
Can you play Solitaire online for free?
Yes, there are many websites and apps where you can play harp solitaire for free without downloading, often without adverts and with different settings for difficulty and game experience.
How do the settings work in digital versions of Solitaire?
Common settings include timing, scoring, number of moves, autoplay for automatic card moves, game speed adjustment and animations. These can be customised to make the game more or less challenging and suit different playing styles
How do I play harp solitaire on mobile?
On mobile devices, touch controls are used to drag and drop cards, double-click to automatically move cards to basic piles, and occasionally pinch to zoom. The interface is optimised for smaller screens and makes the game intuitive and fun even on small devices.
