Computer Games for Kids

Computer Games for Kids: The Basics of Solitaire

When you play solitaire on the computer, the cards are dealt, face down, into seven packets in a row. The first packet contains seven cards. The next packet to the right contains six cards, and each succeeding packet to the right has one fewer card than the preceding packet, so that the seventh packet will consist of one card. These cards are called the auxiliary piles.

Computer Games for Kids: How To Play Solitaire

The top card from each auxiliary pile is then turned over, exposing the face of the card. If any kings appear, the player removes them from his pile and places them in separate rows above the auxiliary piles. These kings form the foundations on which the player builds families. The rest of the face-up cards are then matched up in descending order, alternating in color. If any piles are left unexposed, you may turn up the next available card in that pile to see if you can use it.

Computer Games for Kids: How To Win at Solitaire

Once all the preliminary marriages are complete, the player will flip over one card from the stock and see if it can be used. If it is a king, the player will place it in the separate row above the piles. A queen of the same color can be placed atop the king and so on, until the player reaches the ace. Cards from the stock can also be used to create marriages within the auxiliary piles.

The deal is repeated over and over until the player has exhausted all the auxiliary piles. If no play has been possible during a deal, the game is blocked and ended. A winning game consists of completed piles of the four families, each ending with an ace.