So while I was looking for an online app I can destress in the middle of working (ssssh, everyone needs some time to rest, right?) I came across this card games site called SOLITAIRE.ORG. I instantly played it and I found out I am still good at it! I was trained by a great mentor, anyways, so no wonder I aced the first game immediately. I had about two games until I lost but it was really fun and I got to take my mind off at work for a while. A little bit of time to destress recharges me so I can work again more effectively.
But, you know what, aside from destressing while playing Solitaire.Org? I was reminded by my late Grandmother. It was her who taught me how to play cards from Pares-Pares, Pekwa, Unggoy-Unggoy, and of course, her favorite Solitaire. I spent some of my childhood with them and I’ll always see her play cards in the afternoon or late evening before having dinner. As soon as I could understand the cards, she taught me how to play on my own and since then I knew how to play it. Do you know how to play Solitaire? Here’s a quick instructions:
What is Solitaire?
Solitaire.org defines it as an old school (hence, my childhood throwback story, right?) challenging card game of concentration and skills that can be played alone. The most popular is the Classic Solitaire.
How to Play?
The goal is to stack the cards into sequences. The sequence is based on suits and ranks: K,Q, J, 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. It might sound easy but there are instances when you can be blocked when you are still in the table. So, you will be dealt with cards on the upper right side and you will try to find an appropriate place for it in the table. Putting it on the table should be in alternate colors. It is only when you have your ACE can you start piling them up on the foundation. You can win if you have stack them on the foundation (upper left side) correctly without mixed suits.
But wait there’s more…
Aside from the Solitaire game, I was ecstatic to find another one of our favorite game in cards which is the Pyramid Solitaire! I got super excited because it was one of the games that I was really challenged when I was little. I always had to ask help from my grandmother to finish a pyramid and it was a great bonding moment for us then, and a good memory for me now.
Anyway, how to play Pyramid Solitaire? The game starts as you get a pyramid in the center, then the draw or stock pile is located under the pyramid on the left side. The waste pile is to the right of the draw. The rule is you need to remove all cards by summing up to cards to 13: i.e 10 and 3, 5 and 8, Jack and 2. For the King, you can remove it as its already equal to 13. If you are stuck you can deal some cards but only for three times.
Of course, what do you expect from a trained card gamer here? I got my first win on my first try! It was so much fun as I remembered the numbers of the cards, and I practiced my Math skills, as well. But the best part of it really is that I get to relive my moments with my grandmother and I had fun remembering her.
Card games are an easy way to destress and practice our memory and concentration skills. For me, it also made me think about my grandmother again and our moments together. So whenever I feel stressed out and needing some breaks, I head on to Solitaire.Org and play the games that I had before.
They offer a lot of games as well so check them out: www.solitaire.org.
Here are some other lists of games you can try and play:
mahjong games https://www.solitaire.org/mahjong-games/
hidden object games https://www.solitaire.org/hidden-object-games/
card games (like gin rummy, crazy eights, euchre, hearts, etc) https://www.solitaire.org/card-games/
connect 3 games (like zuma ball shooters or candy crush type games) https://www.solitaire.org/match-3-games/
other fun online games (like pacman, tennis, etc.) https://www.solitaire.org/free-online-games/
Here are some other games I played as well:
There are a lot of games to discover in the site so might as well try it out while you’re destressing or reminiscing like me!
Enjoy! 🙂
