Solitairepelejä

Solitairepelejä, or solitaire games, are games designed to be played by a single person. The category encompasses several distinct genres, most notably card-based "patience" games and peg-based board games. Each variant centers on solo problem solving, pattern recognition, and strategic planning.

Card solitaire games typically use a standard deck and a specific layout of cards. The objective is to build sequences or foundations according to suit and rank. Common elements include a stock pile, a waste pile, and a number of tableau piles. Popular variants include Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Pyramid, and Tri Peaks. Rules vary by variant, but most require moving cards between piles or to foundations in ascending order by suit (for foundations) or alternating colors (for tableau), with the aim of exposing and removing all cards.

Peg solitaire is played on a board with holes occupied by pegs. A move consists of jumping an adjacent peg over another into an empty hole, removing the jumped peg. The goal is to leave a single peg on the board, ideally in the central hole. Common boards include the English 33-hole cross and the European 37-hole configurations.

Solitaire games have a long history in card games and puzzle boards. Card solitaire grew in popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, with computer versions popularizing the format in the late 20th century, notably the Windows Solitaire collection. Today, solitaire can be played on computers, smartphones, and many online platforms, often with optional hints, undo, and score-tracking features.

Solitairepelit are a widely accessible form of solitary play, valued for portability, minimal setup, and varied challenge. They continue to be studied for cognitive engagement, focus, and relaxation, while remaining a staple of casual gaming.