13 Types of Solitaire Games — Every Variant Explained
From classic Klondike to obscure Baker's Dozen — every solitaire type, what makes it different, and where to play it free.
Most people know one or two solitaire games — usually Klondike (the classic Windows version) and maybe FreeCell or Spider. But solitaire is a broad category covering dozens of distinct mechanical families. The 13 variants on Mr. Solitaire represent each major type, from fast 5-minute matching games to two-deck marathons requiring an hour of careful planning.
Here's every variant organized by type, with difficulty ratings, win rates, and links to play each one free — no download, no sign-up.
Tableau-Building
The most common type. Build columns in a specific order (usually descending alternating colors) and move cards to four foundation piles. The tableau is the main workspace.
Klondike
MediumWin rate: ~33%
The original Windows solitaire. Seven columns, alternating red/black tableau builds, Turn 1 or Turn 3 stock draw.
Spider
HardWin rate: ~30–85%
Two decks, ten columns. Build same-suit King-to-Ace runs to clear them. Three difficulty levels (1-, 2-, 4-suit).
Yukon
HardWin rate: ~60%
Like Klondike with no stock pile — all cards dealt face-up. Move any face-up group regardless of sequence order.
Open-Layout (All Cards Visible)
All cards are dealt face-up from the start. This eliminates luck from hidden information — wins and losses are determined by strategy alone.
FreeCell
MediumWin rate: ~99%
Eight columns all visible, four free cells as temporary holding spots. Over 99.999% of deals are winnable with correct play.
Baker's Dozen
MediumWin rate: ~88%
Thirteen columns, Kings automatically placed at the bottom. Move one card at a time. Pure strategy with ~90% win rate.
Matching-Pairs
Clear the board by pairing cards according to a rule — usually cards that sum to a target number. No foundation-building; the goal is total board clearance.
Cascade / Chain
Play cards by chaining them to a central waste pile based on rank. These games are fast-paced and emphasize combo-building.
Sequence / Placement
Every card placement is permanent — there is no tableau to rearrange. The challenge is routing each card to the right pile or gap on the first try.
Gaps (Montana)
Very HardWin rate: ~5%
Fill gaps left by removed Aces to build four rows 2→K by suit. Two redeals allowed. Also called Montana.
Sir Tommy
MediumWin rate: ~35%
Flip cards one at a time and place each permanently in one of four waste piles. Build foundations A→K by suit. Every choice is final.
Two-Deck High-Difficulty
Games using two shuffled decks (104 cards). The extra deck multiplies complexity and makes congestion a constant threat.
Single-Pile / Reserve
Games with a special reserve or reserve-like mechanic — a set of cards outside the main tableau that interacts with the foundations in unusual ways.
Canfield
Very HardWin rate: ~3%
Thirteen-card reserve, random foundation base rank, tableau wraps around from King to Ace. A historic casino game where the house almost always won.
Scorpion
HardWin rate: ~15%
Seven columns, same-suit builds only, auto-clear complete King-to-Ace runs. Move any face-up group regardless of sequence order.
Quick-Reference: All 13 Games
| Game | Type | Win Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klondike | Tableau-Building | ~33% | Medium |
| Spider | Tableau-Building | ~30–85% | Hard |
| Yukon | Tableau-Building | ~60% | Hard |
| FreeCell | Open-Layout (All Cards Visible) | ~99% | Medium |
| Baker's Dozen | Open-Layout (All Cards Visible) | ~88% | Medium |
| Pyramid | Matching-Pairs | ~5% | Hard |
| Golf | Matching-Pairs | ~35% | Easy |
| TriPeaks | Cascade / Chain | ~70% | Easy |
| Gaps (Montana) | Sequence / Placement | ~5% | Very Hard |
| Sir Tommy | Sequence / Placement | ~35% | Medium |
| Forty Thieves | Two-Deck High-Difficulty | ~8% | Very Hard |
| Canfield | Single-Pile / Reserve | ~3% | Very Hard |
| Scorpion | Single-Pile / Reserve | ~15% | Hard |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many types of solitaire games are there?
- There are hundreds of documented solitaire variants, but the 13 most popular ones cover the main mechanical categories: tableau-building, open-layout, matching-pairs, cascade/chain, sequence/placement, two-deck, and reserve-based games. Mr. Solitaire carries all 13 main variants playable free online.
- Which type of solitaire is easiest for beginners?
- TriPeaks and Golf are the easiest to learn — both have simple one-rank chaining rules and no complex tableau-building. For beginners who want to learn 'real' solitaire, Klondike Turn 1 is the standard starting point. FreeCell is excellent for players who want to win frequently while still exercising strategy.
- What is the most popular type of solitaire?
- Klondike is by far the most widely played solitaire variant — it's the game bundled with Windows for over 30 years and what most people picture when they say 'solitaire.' FreeCell and Spider are the next most popular, both also popularized by Windows versions.
- What is the difference between Klondike and FreeCell?
- Klondike deals most cards face-down, making hidden information a major factor. FreeCell deals all cards face-up from the start and adds four free cells as temporary holding spots. FreeCell has a ~99% win rate for skilled players; Klondike is around 33%. Both build four foundations Ace to King by suit, but how you get there is completely different.
Play all 13 types free
Every variant runs in your browser — no download, no account needed.