What makes Solitaire such a hit





What if I tell you that one of the most popular card games can be beneficial to you in more ways than one. Believe it or not, playing Solitaire can do you good. If you're one of the millions of people who's engaged in it, then you're in for a surprise. It has become a habit for me back when I was still using a PDA, where it was lit green and I needed a stylus to move the objects in the screen. It's so simple that even the simplest electronic device can handle it. Truth be told, I never tried to play the actual cards. Who brings a deck of cards with them, anyway? Here are some of the good stuff 'bout your favorite pastime.



A good form of distraction

Rather than keeping your mind occupied with things that bogs you down, why not resort to a game that has straightforward mechanics yet satisfies just as easily.

It has a calming effect on the mind.

If your game has no time limit that is. Pop a vinyl record in your player and set the mood for a long relaxing weekend or any time for that matter.



It improves mental health

Speed is not the objective of the game. The calmer you are, the better you perform. A good plan is better than impulsive moves.



It instills patience

Throughout my years of playing it, I've learned to take my time. It won't be a guaranteed win but it increases my chances of achieving it.



It's enjoyable

Whether you win or lose, you'll be rewarded with success eventually because majority of Solitaire games are winnable. It's a game of chance and skill.

It's ideal for spending time alone.

No one to play with? No problem. It's not like chess where you'll have to wait for your opponent to make a move. Take all the time in the world to think about your next move.



It improves your recall

I've developed my sense of alertness when playing it. Before making your next move, think first. Overtime, you'll notice a great improvement in your memory.


The game has become so popular that its now synonymous with single player games.  In fact, annually there are new versions of it are created. Whether it's classic, Freecell, Spider, Pyramid, Tripeaks, or Golf, you can find all these versions and more in Solitaire.org.  I always stick with Klondike a.k.a. classic. There's something about the original versions of everything that makes me come back to it. However, browsing through the site's page I came upon other types of games categorized into Hidden object, Logic Puzzle, Word, and Arcade.



Like any game, it starts with easy challenges but with thirty items to find and a limited amount of time, you'll find yourself hopeless until you ask help from another set of eyes. These can be objects or numbers. I'll guarantee that you'll squint as you progress through the levels. Here's a tip, they'll hide it in inconspicuous places and camouflage it with the objects of the same color or appearance. There are three hints for you to use so make sure to use it wisely.   







Spotting differences between two pictures reminds me of the the daily newspapers that I used to snatch from my dad before he starts answering the crossword puzzle. The difference is, it's now in full color and there's a time limit too. 




I'm a sucker for games that remind me of my childhood. What attracts me to this one is its simplicity and the satisfaction of zapping balls. The objective is quite straightforward, match a ball with two of the same color and watch them create a domino effect as they disappear consecutively.


Zuma legend hails from the game of the same name, only this one has 100 levels. It's designed for players who can't get enough of the original game. The sound of the disappearing color coded rounded thingies are music to my ears. There is no time constraint, however, you will be pressured to shoot faster as they approach the other end of the pit.




Pacman is most probably the most recognizable video game ever. An arcade shouldn't exist without it, at least in my opinion; a kind of game that I would probably play until I grow old. It's uncomplicated and is just pure fun. Sesame street's Cookie monster replacing Pacman actually makes sense coz he's hungry all the time. 



Everything in the classic game stays the same, including the funny interlude showing Cookie monster being chased by the ghosts and he avenges as he becomes bigger after eating a power pellet aka Energizer. Here's a fun fact: In Japan, where they originated, the ghosts' names started as Fickle, Chaser, Ambusher & Stupid. Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde are their English names.



I'd like to hear your thoughts about Solitaire and these games. Have you found a game you particularly like from their website?

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