Solitaire has a history stretching back over 200 years — from aristocratic parlor games in 18th century Northern Europe to the most played computer game in history. This is the full story.
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Play Free Solitaire →Origins: 18th Century Northern Europe
The earliest documented solitaire games appear in German game books from the late 18th century. The word "solitaire" itself comes from the French word for "alone," and the games were initially associated with aristocratic leisure in France and Germany.
Some historians believe early solitaire games emerged from divination practices — using cards to tell fortunes — that evolved into skill-based patience games. The oldest known solitaire books were published in Germany in the 1780s-1790s.
The 19th Century: "Patience" Spreads
During the 19th century, solitaire (called "Patience" in Britain) spread across Europe. Queen Victoria and Napoleon Bonaparte were both reported enthusiasts, which helped the games gain social status. The first English-language solitaire books appeared in the 1870s-1890s.
Klondike — the game most people today call "solitaire" — gets its name from the Klondike region of Canada during the 1896-1899 Gold Rush. Miners reportedly played the game during long winters waiting for spring.
The Microsoft Effect: 1990-2000s
The most significant moment in solitaire history was its inclusion in Windows 3.0 (1990). Designed by Wes Cherry (a Microsoft intern) as a way to teach users mouse movement and drag-and-drop, Klondike Solitaire became the most-used application on millions of computers.
FreeCell was added to Windows 95 and became the second most-played solitaire game ever. Spider Solitaire followed in Windows Me/XP. These three games introduced solitaire to hundreds of millions of people who had never played card games.
The Online and Mobile Era: 2000s-Present
As Windows removed built-in games in later versions, the market for online and mobile solitaire exploded. Today, solitaire is played billions of times per day across countless platforms. The rise of no-download web solitaire, mobile apps, and competitive daily challenges has kept solitaire fresh and growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did solitaire originate?
Solitaire originated in Northern Europe (primarily Germany and France) in the late 18th century. It spread to England where it became known as "Patience."
Who invented Klondike Solitaire?
The exact origin of Klondike is unknown. It gets its name from the Klondike region of Canada during the Gold Rush era (1896-1899) but may have existed before that.
Why is solitaire called "Patience" in Europe?
European countries, especially Britain, call solitaire games "patience" games because they require patience and solitary play. The name "solitaire" is more common in American English.
Who created FreeCell?
The modern version of FreeCell was created by Paul Alfille at the University of Illinois in 1978. The name and formalized rules come from his implementation.
Why was solitaire included in Windows?
Microsoft included Klondike Solitaire in Windows 3.0 (1990) primarily as a way to help new computer users practice using a mouse. It was created by intern Wes Cherry and became far more popular than anyone expected.