Solitaire vs. Patience: What's the Real Difference?
Discover the differences between solitaire and patience ... and a third solo card game option that might surprise you.
If you've ever searched for a solo card game online, you've probably come across both "solitaire" and "patience." But are they the same thing? Not quite. While they may look similar, these two gaming traditions come from different backgrounds and have their own unique flair. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences, similarities, and best places to play these classic games.
Solitaire: A Classic North American Pastime
Solitaire is the go-to name for single-player card games in North America. It's easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly satisfying. From Klondike to Spider, solitaire offers a variety of styles for every type of player.
How to Play Solitaire
Most solitaire games start with a shuffled deck laid out into a tableau, stock, and foundation piles. The objective? Move all the cards to the foundation, sorted by suit and in ascending order. Sounds simple, but each move counts. Want to take it a step further? Learn how to play a solitaire game with a story and uncover a narrative as you advance through each level.
Popular Solitaire Game Types
Klondike: The classic version that most people know.
Spider: A more complex game involving multiple suits.
FreeCell: A game of skill with open cells for extra strategy.
Pyramid: Match cards that add up to 13.
Story-Based Solitaire Games: Classic solitaire meets storytelling, with each level unlocking a new part of the narrative.
Where to Play Solitaire game online
You can find countless free solitaire games online. Many of them don’t even require a download, letting you jump in and play instantly from your browser or mobile app.
Patience: The Strategic European Cousin
In Europe, what Americans call solitaire is more commonly known as "patience." These games often require more long-term planning and strategic thinking.
How to Play Patience
Though similar in layout to solitaire, patience games like Napoleon at St. Helena or Accordion often take more time and focus. Instead of speed, success in patience comes from careful planning.
Types of Patience Games
Accordion: A compact game of stacking and matching.
Napoleon at St. Helena: Rumored to be a favorite of the exiled emperor.
Yukon: More freedom in card movement than Klondike.
Canfield: A challenging patience variant with strict rules.
Grandfather’s Clock: Unique layout resembling a clock face.
Play Patience Online
Just like solitaire, you can enjoy patience games online for free. Many websites and mobile apps offer a variety of patience styles with no download required.
So, What's the Difference?
Let’s break it down side by side:
Solitaire and patience differ in origin: solitaire is popular in North America, while patience is commonly played in Europe.
Solitaire tends to be quicker and more casual.
Patience games often require more strategy and deliberate planning.
Examples of solitaire games include Klondike, Spider, TriPeaks and Solitaire with story.
Patience games include Accordion and Napoleon at St. Helena.
Solitaire games are widely available across platforms, while patience games are slightly less mainstream but still accessible.
Why Not Try Both?
Whether you prefer the fast-paced fun of solitaire or the thoughtful gameplay of patience, there’s a solo card game out there for you. Both types of games share the benefit of helping players relax and stay focused. Many platforms let you switch between styles easily, so why not explore both worlds?
Where to Start
Here are a few ideas:
Try Klondike for a relaxing introduction to solitaire.
Test your skills with Napoleon at St. Helena for a patience challenge.
Use browser-based platforms or mobile apps for easy access anywhere.
Try a story-based solitaire game—each level reveals a bit more of the story, making gameplay more engaging.
Solitaire, Patience, or Dive Into a Story?
Solitaire and patience both offer rewarding solo gameplay, but they cater to slightly different tastes. Solitaire is perfect for quick games and casual fun, while patience delivers depth and strategy for players who like a challenge. A third option is story-based solitaire, which combines traditional gameplay with an evolving narrative—adding to the challenge the chance to be part of a story.
So the next time you're in the mood for a solo card game, think about whether you're in the mood for the familiar rhythm of solitaire, the strategic journey of patience, or an immersive story experience. Either way, you're in for a good time!