OCTOBER 2024

Windows Guide to Playing Microsoft Solitaire (2024)

Play Klondike with simple rules and straightforward gameplay

Microsoft Solitaire Collection Features and Game Highlights

Written by: Robert Moore | Last updated: 02 September 2024 | Fact check by : Elizabeth Miller

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With 30 years of experience, Robert Moore is an accomplished authority on Solitaire and Mahjong, having delved deep into the rules and advanced strategies of these classic games. About Robert Moore

The Microsoft Solitaire variant, a classic played computer game with over 30 years of history, is now available on Solitairea. This enhanced version, known as the Microsoft Solitaire Collection or MSN Solitaire Collection, includes additional features like Daily Challenges and the Star Club, ensuring endless hours of entertainment. The collection features five very popular solitaire games or game modes: Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Pyramid, and TriPeaks.

Included Games and Their Unique Challenges

  1. Klondike: The quintessential solitaire game, Microsoft free Klondike offers the option to play by drawing one or three cards at a time. Players can choose between the Vegas scoring system and traditional scoring.

  2. Spider: Microsoft Spider Solitaire, a more challenging game played with 104 cards (two decks), is perfect for players seeking a longer and more demanding experience. Beginners can start with the one-suit version, while more advanced players can choose between two and four suits.

  3. Online Freecell: Microsoft FreeCell, a game that relies more on skill than luck, has all cards visible from the beginning.

  4. TriPeaks: Named after its unique card layout, Microsoft TriPeaks requires players to create sequences of cards that are one rank higher or lower.

  5. Pyramid: In Microsoft Pyramid Solitaire, players combine cards into pairs that total 13. The objective is to remove all cards from the pyramid-shaped board.

Game Difficulties: Catering to Every Skill Level

Customize Your Experience with Themes

Players can personalize their Microsoft Solitaire Collection experience by choosing from a variety of themes, including Classic, Aquarium, Fable, Western, Beach, Autumn, and Jumbo. Themes can be changed from the start screen.

Cognitive Benefits of Playing Solitaire

Playing Solitaire and Mahjong has been linked to various cognitive benefits, such as improved concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. These games require strategic thinking, planning, and pattern recognition, which can enhance mental agility and cognitive flexibility.

Tips and Strategies for Each Game

  1. Klondike: Focus on exposing and playing cards from the tableau rather than the stockpile. This will help uncover hidden cards and create more opportunities for moves when you play Klondike.

  2. Spider: whenever possible, you can try to create empty tableau columns, as they can be used to move cards between suits more easily.

  3. FreeCell: plan your moves ahead of time and use the free cells strategically to avoid blocking key cards.

  4. TriPeaks: always try to clear cards from the peaks first, as they can block access to other cards.

  5. Pyramid: make sure to prioritize removing cards from the pyramid that cover multiple cards to maximize your options for future moves.

These games are the most played computer game that people know of. Wait no more, make sure to read our review to the end and get your daily challenges. 

Developer, Producer, and History

The Microsoft Solitaire Collection is developed by Microsoft Casual Games, Smoking Gun Interactive, Next Level Games, and Arkadium.

It is published by Xbox Game Studios and produced by Paul Jensen, Derek Dutilly, and Tristan Hall. The first version of the collection was released on October 26, 2012, as a Windows 8 replacement for previously bundled solitaire games.

Explore More Microsoft Games

In addition to the solitaire games, players can enjoy Microsoft Mahjong, Microsoft Sudoku, and the classic Windows version of Minesweeper. These games also give you cognitive benefits, simple rules, and straightforward gameplay.

System Requirements

Microsoft Solitaire Collection is compatible with all modern browsers, device types (desktop, tablet, mobile), and operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more).

Play today! The cards await you here at Solitairea

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Microsoft Solitaire Collection FAQs

Top 5 Q/As about Microsoft Solitaire Collection - The most played computer game!

What games are included in the Microsoft Solitaire Collection?

The collection features five popular solitaire games: Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Pyramid, and TriPeaks.

What are the cognitive benefits of playing Solitaire and Mahjong?

Playing Solitaire and Mahjong can improve concentration, memory, problem-solving skills, mental agility, and cognitive flexibility.

Can I customize the appearance of the Microsoft Solitaire Collection?

Yes, you can personalize your experience by choosing from a variety of themes, including Classic, Aquarium, Fable, Western, Beach, Autumn, and Jumbo.

What are the system requirements for the Microsoft Solitaire Collection?

Microsoft Solitaire Collection is compatible with all modern browsers, device types (desktop, tablet, mobile), and operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more).

Are there any other Microsoft games I can play besides solitaire?

Yes, you can also enjoy Microsoft Mahjong, Microsoft Sudoku, and the classic Windows version of Minesweeper.