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Card Games to Play by Yourself
No partner, no table full of people. These are the best single-player card games, how each one feels, and which to pick.
If you want a card game for one person, you are in luck: there are hundreds. Nearly all of them are some form of solitaire, which is simply the family name for card games played alone. Here are the ones worth knowing, grouped by what you want from them.
Single player card games you can play online here
All of these are free in your browser. Each has undo, hints, and a leaderboard if you want one.
| Game | Decks | Best for | Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klondike | 1 | The classic. Relaxed, and a good first game | Play |
| Spider | 2 | A long game with a gentle one-suit setting | Play |
| FreeCell | 1 | Pure thinking. Nearly every deal can be won | Play |
| Yukon | 1 | A bold, fast game where you move stacks | Play |
| Scorpion | 1 | A puzzle. Move any card, build in suit | Play |
| Forty Thieves | 2 | A hard one with one pass through the stock | Play |
| Spiderette | 1 | A short Spider game | Play |
| Eight Off | 1 | A FreeCell cousin with eight cells | Play |
| Double Klondike | 2 | Klondike with more cards and more room | Play |
| Russian | 1 | Yukon with a catch | Play |
Which one should you play?
You want something quick
Start with Klondike with one-card draw, or Spiderette. A game takes a few minutes, and you can stop whenever you like.
You want to switch your brain on
FreeCell is the answer. Every card is face up, so the only thing between you and a win is your plan. Scorpion is the other good puzzle.
You want something to settle into
Spider with one suit and Double Klondike are long, calm games. They are the ones to play with a drink and no plans.
You want a real challenge
Forty Thieves and four-suit Spider are for people who like to lose a lot and win sometimes.
One-person card games with a real deck
You do not need a screen. A single deck and a flat surface are enough for these:
- Klondike. Seven columns of cards, built down in alternating colours. Full instructions are in how to set up solitaire.
- Pyramid. Lay 28 cards in a pyramid of seven rows. Remove pairs that add up to 13. A King goes on its own.
- Golf. Seven columns of five cards. Turn one card up from the stock, then play cards from the columns that are one rank higher or lower.
- Accordion. Lay all 52 cards in a line. A card can move onto the one next to it, or three to its left, if they match in suit or rank. The goal is a single pile.
- Aces Up. Deal four cards in a row. Discard any card when a higher card of the same suit sits on top of another column. Aim to be left with only the four Aces.
- Clock. Deal thirteen piles in the shape of a clock face. It is a game of pure luck, good for when you want to switch your mind off.
Card games for one, by how long they take
| Time | Games |
|---|---|
| A few minutes | Klondike (draw 1), Spiderette, Golf, Accordion, Clock |
| 10 to 20 minutes | FreeCell, Yukon, Scorpion, Eight Off, Pyramid |
| A long sitting | Spider, Double and Triple Klondike, Forty Thieves |
Learn the rules
The rules of every game on this site are in one place at solitaire rules. To compare all the types, see types of solitaire games.
Frequently asked questions
What card games can you play by yourself?
The big family is called solitaire, or patience. Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, Yukon, Scorpion, Pyramid, Golf and Forty Thieves are all one-player card games. Each uses a normal deck of 52 cards, or two decks for some.
What is the easiest card game to play by yourself?
Klondike drawing one card at a time, and Spider with one suit, are the easiest to start with. Both are forgiving and most deals can be won with careful play.
What single player card game is best for thinking?
FreeCell. All the cards are face up from the start, so there is no luck in what you see, and nearly every deal can be won with the right plan.
How many cards do you need for a one-person card game?
One standard deck of 52 cards is enough for most. Spider, Forty Thieves and Double Klondike use two decks, and Triple Klondike uses three.
What is a good one-person card game that is quick?
Golf, Klondike with one-card draw, and Spiderette are quick. A game of FreeCell can also be over in a few minutes if you plan well.
Can I play single player card games online for free?
Yes. Every game listed on this page is free to play in your browser, with no download and no sign-up, and with unlimited undo and hints.