There are hundreds of solitaire games, but they fall into a handful of categories based on their core mechanics. Understanding these categories helps you choose the right game for your mood and quickly learn new variants.
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Play Free Solitaire →Category 1: Tableau-to-Foundation Building Games
The most common solitaire category. Cards are arranged in a tableau and must be moved to four foundation piles (Ace to King by suit). Examples: Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Yukon, Baker's Game, Seahaven Towers, Penguin, Eight Off.
These games vary in how cards can be arranged in the tableau (alternating colors vs same suit), what extra spaces are available (free cells, empty columns), and whether some cards start hidden (face-down).
Category 2: Sequence/Chain Games
Build a sequential chain of cards to a waste pile. No foundation building — the goal is to clear as many cards as possible by extending the chain. Example: Golf Solitaire.
These games are usually faster and more luck-dependent than building games. The scoring mechanics are often more dynamic (Golf's stroke-count system).
Category 3: Matching Games
Remove pairs of cards that sum to a target number or share a trait. Example: Pyramid Solitaire (pairs summing to 13). These games have a different feel — less sequential planning, more pattern recognition.
Category 4: Open vs. Closed Information
Solitaire games can also be categorized by information availability:
- Open games (all cards visible): FreeCell, Yukon, Baker's Game, Seahaven Towers, Penguin. Pure skill.
- Closed games (some cards hidden): Klondike, Spider, Golf (stock hidden). Mix of skill and luck.
Open games are generally better for developing strategic thinking because you can plan further ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of solitaire games are there?
There are hundreds of documented solitaire variants, but most fall into 3-4 main categories: tableau-to-foundation building, sequence/chain games, matching games, and some specialized layouts.
What type of solitaire is FreeCell?
FreeCell is a tableau-to-foundation building game with open information (all cards visible). It is characterized by four free cells as temporary storage.
What type of solitaire is Golf?
Golf Solitaire is a sequence/chain game. Rather than building foundations, you extend a sequential chain from the tableau to a waste pile, scoring like golf.
What is the difference between open and closed solitaire?
Open solitaire games show all cards face-up from the start (FreeCell, Yukon). Closed solitaire games have some cards hidden face-down (Klondike, Spider). Open games are more skill-based; closed games have a larger luck component.
Which solitaire type is best for beginners?
Closed games like Klondike are most familiar to beginners. Open games like FreeCell are better for developing strategy. Sequence games like Golf are the easiest to learn quickly.