National Solitaire Day

A person sitting at a wooden table, surrounded by playing cards, wearing a cozy sweater, with a cup of tea nearby.. — National solitaire day illustration

Welcome to the magical world of National Solitaire Day, where shuffling cards and stacking suits is the name of the game! Get ready to dive into the fascinating history and oh-so-satisfying gameplay of the classic card game. Whether you're a master of solitaire or just getting started, this article will entertain and enlighten you on all things Solitaire.

When is Solitaire Day?

It's national solitaire day on the 22nd May.

The Origin Story of Solitaire

Long before the internet and the digital versions of Solitaire we know today, this beloved game had its humble beginnings in the 18th century. The word 'solitaire' itself comes from the French word 'solitaire,' meaning 'alone' or 'lonely.' Just like a romantic protagonist in a Jane Austen novel, solitaire initially captivated players with its solitary and contemplative nature.

While the exact origins of Solitaire remain a bit of a mystery, it gained popularity across Europe in the 19th century. It wasn't until the 1990s that the game truly took off thanks to its inclusion on Windows computers. Suddenly, office workers around the world found solace in the comforting click of their mouse as they arranged virtual stacks of cards.

History behind the term 'Solitaire'

1500s

Birth of the Card Game

In the 1500s, playing cards gained popularity in Europe. The concept of solitaire, which means 'alone' or 'lonely' in French, started to emerge. It was initially played with a deck of cards, and the objective was to arrange them into specific sequences or patterns.

1760s

The Predecessor of Solitaire

During the 1760s in Germany, a precursor to solitaire called Die Patience was created. It involved rearranging the cards on the table according to specific rules. This precursor laid the foundation for the development of modern solitaire games.

19th Century

Solitaire in the British Isles

In the 19th century, solitaire began to gain popularity in the British Isles. It was often referred to as Patience in English-speaking nations. The British loved the game, and it became a favorite pastime among upper-class individuals. Instructions for playing solitaire started appearing in various books and publications.

1948

Microsoft Introduces Solitaire

Fast forward to 1948, and solitaire made a significant impact on the digital world. Microsoft released the first version of Solitaire as part of their Windows operating system. It was intended to teach users how to use a mouse effectively. Surprisingly, Solitaire became one of the most popular computer games, attracting countless players worldwide.

21st Century

Solitaire in the Digital Era

With the rise of smartphones and online gaming, solitaire transitioned into the digital era. Now, people can enjoy solitaire on their mobile devices and computers with various versions and variations available. Solitaire has become a staple game for many, providing a convenient and engaging way to pass the time.

Did you know?

Did you know that there are over 1.8 quintillion possible permutations in a standard game of solitaire? That's more than all the stars in the observable universe!