Solitaire, known as ‘Patience’ in UK, is probably the simplest card game in the world, with even kids managing to complete a simple game. The history of solitaire generally dates back to the 18th century. The earliest written evidence of solitaire is found sometime in 1783, where it has been explained in the German book of card games. The game has been described as one involving competition with fellow players, playing with different cards. The game became ‘solitary’ when people started practicing alone for the competition.
The history of solitaire also has some account of the game being played by Napoleon during his exile, as most games of solitaire such as ‘Napoleon’s square’ and Napoleon at St. Helena’ are named after him. However, there is no established evidence of this. In any case, the game of solitaire became extremely popular in the French society in the middle of 19th century. However, the history of the modern form of the game begins in middle of 20th century. There have been several books written to explain the methods and different types of the game.
The history of the game also indicates its association with prediction of future. This was believed in case of Scandinavian or German traditions. A game of solitaire was thought of an indication of good or bad future depending on the outcome of the game. If the game was successful in the end, the future was predicted to be good; however bad cards indicated bad luck and some problem in the future.
The game itself is played using the usual deck of cards containing 52 cards, including 4 suits, Hearts, Spades, Clubs and Diamonds; each having royal cards Ace, King, Queen and Jack, along with cards numbered from 2-10. The rules are different for various forms of solitaire, with new versions being formed. However, as we go through the history of the game, we see just one form that was played. Traditionally, a player dealt the cards on the table or a board in a sequence. Here half the cards are placed downwards and the rest are in the hands of the player. When the game starts, the cards in the hands are revealed by the player himself and the cards on the table get uncovered as the game progresses. The game moves forward where the player must rearrange the cards of the same suit in ascending or descending order. Some versions also arrange cards of alternating colors (black and red) in ascending or descending order.
Well, the history of solitaire cannot be complete without the mention of its literary appearance. Solitaire finds mention in several books, both fiction and non-fiction. These include fictions such as The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky and War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy; and non-fiction such as Dicks Games of Patience by Dick and Fitzgerald, Illustrated Games of Patience by Lady Adelaide Cadogan and The Complete Gamester by Charles Cotton.
Whatever the history might say, with programmers getting their minds together, there have been countless versions of the game, with different levels of difficulty. One can play to take up a challenge or simply pass his time, in between office work. Everyone from kids to adults enjoy a game of solitaire. The simplest form of solitaire is available with every PC and also at online casinos. Those interested can also have a score and compete with others.
This article was written by Alexis.
Tags: Solitaire