Patience, often referred to as Solitaire in its various forms, is a classic one-player card game enjoyed worldwide for its blend of strategy and relaxation. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refresh your skills, understanding how to play Patience can unlock hours of enjoyable solo entertainment.

Setting Up:

1. Deck: Begin with a standard 52-card deck. Shuffle thoroughly.
2. Layout: Deal 28 cards face-down into seven columns. The first column gets one card, the second column two cards (one face-up), the third column three cards (one face-up), and so on until the seventh column, which receives seven cards (one face-up).

Objective:

• The goal is to build four foundation piles, one for each suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades), in ascending order (from Ace to King).

Gameplay:

• Moving Cards: Begin by flipping the top card of each column face-up. You can move cards between columns based on descending order and alternating colors (e.g., a black 7 can be placed on a red 8).
• Building Foundations: As you uncover Aces, move them to start foundation piles. Build on these piles sequentially by suit (e.g., after Ace of hearts, place 2 of hearts, 3 of hearts, etc.).
• Empty Columns: Any empty column can be filled with a King or a sequence starting with a King.
• Stock and Waste: Use the remaining cards as a stockpile. Draw one card at a time, placing it face-up on a waste pile. You can cycle through the stockpile until no more moves are possible.

Winning:

• Successfully move all cards to the foundation piles to win the game.

Tips:

• Plan moves carefully, especially around revealing hidden cards and using empty columns strategically.
• Don’t rush; Patience rewards thoughtful play and foresight.

Variations:

• Numerous variations exist, including Klondike and Spider Solitaire, each with unique rules and challenges.

Learning how to play Patience offers not just a game, but a mental exercise that sharpens focus and strategic thinking. Whether played with physical cards or through digital platforms, Patience remains a timeless favorite, providing a satisfying blend of challenge and relaxation for players of all ages.