Solitaire & Other Gamely Pastimes...

I am a computer-solitaire fanatic. I didn't learn how to play the game until about eight years ago but I've been hooked ever since. Though I prefer the computer variety, I still like to play solitaire with a normal deck of cards when the mood strikes. I will not play the online versions of solitaire with the web unknown - the game was called solitaire for a reason: to be played and enjoyed alone.

My first experience with computer solitaire was with the standard "Klondike" version issued on most computers running Windows. I was soon bored with this and went looking on the Internet for more. The first program I downloaded was 123 Free Solitaire (an offshoot of SolSuite), and it was then I learned different variations of the game. Little did I know at the time that there were hundreds more to follow. After 123 Free Solitaire, I opted for the "paid" version of the program, which turned out to be SolSuite. Initially, there were more than two hundred variations of solitaire within the computer program. Over the years this has increased, of course, and now there are more than four hundred games. There are also options to customize each game with background choices, card backs and audio.

Speaking of SolSuite, they now have their own version called Mahjong Suite. I was skeptical at first, but after my mother told me about the game I decided to give it a whirl. I downloaded the trial version and played around for about an hour, and then I bought the program online ($18.95). Surprisingly, the game is very addictive. I spent the better part of that first Sunday glued to my computer screen, unaware of the passage of time. The house grew dark as I fiddled about, and when I finally got up from my chair I noticed night had fallen.

There are millions of possible game combinations, with several tile selections (from classic to traditional and the bizarre). One of the features I particularly liked when I first started was the "suggest a move" option from the Game Menu. I wasn't sure what I was doing in the beginning, so the little hints helped me learn the game faster. I highly recommend Mahjong Suite for hours of endless pleasure.

Another collection I tried early on was Hardwood Solitaire. This is also another favorite, mainly because of the sound and visual effects. The setting for the various games is medieval, and the music is dreamy and almost mystic. In 2002, Hardwood Solitaire was completely re-hauled and more than one hundred new games were added. If possible, the visual effects are even more stunning than before. The opening of the program depicts a shimmering waterfall, and you can set other sound effects to preference (I chose rainfall).

Yet another well-done and large program is Pretty Good Solitaire. From Goodsol Development, the assortment of games and customizable features make it worth the price ($24.95), and the other Goodsol program is just as exceptional: Absolute Yukon is a small collection, and one of the games I prefer is "Russian Point" (similar to Russian Solitaire). I recently purchased Goodsol's new program Action Solitaire, and it is quite enjoyable. There is a nice collection of games in the group, with timed rounds that make for some interesting moves.

Goodsol Development has also produced Pretty Good Mahjong, a wonderful set of tile, solitaire and memory games that keep me transfixed for long stretches of time. However, Pretty Good Mahjong is substantially more expensive than Mahjong Suite from SolSuite, costing $27.15 as compared to $18.95. Make sure you like the games before buying Pretty Good Mahjong - there is a trial download available.

If you like interaction, sound effects and superb graphics, Hoyle Card Games is your best bet. This software not only includes solitaire, but has other favorites such as Hearts, Poker, Old Maid, Cribbage, Gin Rummy and others. You can customize your "character" in the games, and select various opponents who also talk, make gestures and have personalities all their own. Another favorite is Hoyle Board Games, which includes a very realistic Chess, Go-Fish, Old Maid, Spite & Malice, a variation of Yahtzee called "Yacht" and many more. Both Hoyle programs are highly recommended by me, although if you ever need to contact Hoyle's customer service department don't hold your breath.

For a good game and a laugh, try Pete Wiseman's Solitaire City. Single-game programs that remain tried and true although sometimes difficult to win are Chinese Solitaire (often included in the multi-game programs as well); and Midnight Sunitaire (which can be had either as "shareware" or for free, depending on where you find it).

Mike's Cards is also another personal favorite, not only because the program is fun but because I happen to know the designer, Mike Sedore. My parents are also addicted to Mike's Cards and when they come and visit me in Washington, Mum takes my computer and Dad takes my old one (now Wilbert's) and they play for long stretches of time. I often accuse them of driving nine hundred miles just to play solitaire games, although they have Mike's Cards on their computer at home.

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More Games & Honorable Mentions:

Other excellent card games include Idiot's Delight, Loch Ness Solitaire, and Solitaire Plus!. On the "other side" of solitaire, I enjoy playing Hardwood Hearts, Hardwood Spades (more medieval caricatures); and Yahtzee (free and almost as fun as the actual board game).

Out of all the solitaire variations I've tried and played continuously, the best multi-game program remains SolSuite. They update monthly with new games and features, and I find the yearly upgrade fee of $14 easy to swallow. It's well worth the price tag, and then some. To date, my preferred variations include Double Klondike, Golf, King of Scotland, Klondike (one-deck), Klondike Three Decks, Precedence, Pyramid and Russian Solitaire.

For more about card games read my article The Art of Solitaire, written in December 2003 for Ambermont Magazine.

I discovered Oberon Media Games in May 2008. I guess it pays to advertise as I found the site through a graphic ad on the MSN news page. The first game I tried was Go-Go Gourmet, an animated program whereby the player attempts to "find ingredients, whip-up recipes, and juggle hungry customers. Become a master chef working alongside six nutty restaurateurs at seven uniquely themed restaurants in this combination hidden-object and time-management game." Very fun indeed, and a nice deviation away from solitaire. The sequel, Go-Go Gourmet: Chef of the Year, is even better.

The "foody" game has led to my current fascination with "hidden object" forms of computer entertainment. The new list includes many mystery-type programs such as Cooking Quest, Death on the Nile (Agatha Christie), Haunted Hotel, Peril at End House (Agatha Christie), Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst, Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate, The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes, Mystery Cookbook, Gourmania, Mystery in London (On the Trail of Jack the Ripper), Mystery Legends: Sleepy Hollow, and Mortimer Beckett & the Secrets of Spooky Manor.

Big Fish Games is a great resource for the above mentioned titles. They have a new game published every day and when necessary their customer service department is tops. Give them a whirl!

Click here for lists of the best and the worst "hidden object" games.

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