7 Reasons To Play Solitaire

Solitaire is still the most popular game of all time. Millions of people play this game regularly. Why? Because it is like a mirror: it reflects life and its challenges back on you. Sometimes you run into dead ends. Sometimes you need to reflect and come back with fresh eyes, and sometimes you just need to pause and hit refresh.

Solitaire is one of the oldest card games, and it has the advantage that it, unlike most games, can be played and fully enjoyed even without any company.

Historically, the first known reference to the game is in 1654, when it was called “a new and pleasant diversion”. It has been played by many people throughout time, including Leonardo da Vinci, who wrote about his experience playing with friends on an island near Venice. I can see why da Vinci was drawn to it.

Until recently, I was unaware there were such a wide variety of different versions of the game. I had learned as a child to play Solitaire with a physical deck of playing cards – but many younger people might have been introduced to Solitaire by Microsoft – which is technically a version of Klondike Solitaire (also known as Patience) that Microsoft included on Windows computers from 1990 until Windows 10.

Playing Solitaire

Solitare can be a great way to pass the time. The key to winning at solitaire is to be strategic and get the most out of your moves so that you can win. You do need to think a few moves ahead, which is good for building patience and the impulse of delayed gratification.

Of course, playing solitaire online is a little easier and requires neither shuffling nor a deck of cards.

if you want to pick up Solitaire again, here's a great little site that has a few different versions of Solitaire games.

I was surprised to learn there are so many different versions of the game. One quick tip: playing on a site like this allows you to quickly pick up the game even if you don't know the rules. Of course, the rules are listed on the site, but it's a frictionless process to start playing.

What are the benefits of playing Solitaire?

It's a game. I've blogged about the benefits of gaming in a previous post, but specifically in terms of playing Solitaire here are some of the top benefits:

• It calms the mind.
• It's enjoyable.
• It provides time for one to be alone.
• It will make your memory stronger.
• Improves your skills on cognitive functions.
• It teaches important life lessons. …
• It promotes a positive sense of competitiveness.
• And there's no violence!

Many games today are violent, fast-moving, and arcade-like. Playing Solitare is a very different experience more akin to meditation. In fact, if you have trouble meditating, playing Solitare can provide a similar experience.

Imagine playing Solitaire with a nice cup of tea and some quiet alone time. It's perfect to rest and recharge your mind and body.

Where can you play Solitaire online?

Playing Solitare online is pretty easy. I do like the Solitaire.org site because it has a few different versions of the game, along with other similar games like Mah-Jong (which is reputedly the world's oldest game and one I have not yet learned to play), and even some hidden object games you can find linked in the footer.

All the games are relaxing, quiet games that can help re-frame the mind – which is becoming harder to do in today's busy world.