The 10 Best Single-Player Card Games

Card games aren’t just for game nights with friends or family. Sometimes, the best opponent — and the best company — is yourself. One player card games offer a perfect way to pass the time, challenge your brain, and unwind at your own pace. Whether you're at home, on a lunch break, or winding down after a long day, single player card games are always ready when you are.

If you’re searching for fun and strategic card games to play by yourself, you’re in luck. Here are 10 of the best solo card games that will keep you entertained, focused, and maybe even a little addicted.

Why Play One Person Card Games?

Solo card games offer something special: no pressure, no waiting, no distractions — just you and the cards. They can sharpen your mind, help you relax, and even improve your decision-making skills. Plus, they’re easy to start. All you need is a deck of cards (or even a phone or computer), and you’re ready to play.

Whether you're trying to improve focus, kill time, or challenge yourself, these single player card games are a fantastic option.

1. Solitaire — The Timeless Classic

When people think of card games to play by themselves, Solitaire is usually the first that comes to mind. It's simple, yet strategic enough to make you think.

The setup involves a standard 52-card deck of playing cards, initially shuffled and dealt into a tableau. The objective is to arrange the cards into four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King. The tableau serves as the canvas for organizing the cards. Players must then strategically move cards within the tableau according to specific rules.

The challenge lies in unlocking hidden cards, strategically positioning cards on the tableau, and ultimately completing the foundation stacks. Every move requires careful consideration, as the wrong decision can impact the flow of the game.

While luck plays a role, Solitaire rewards careful planning and foresight. No wonder it became one of the most played game on computers in the 1990s — it's the perfect solo companion.

2. Forty Thieves (Also Known as Napoleon at St. Helena)

If you’re looking for something a little tougher, Forty Thieves will do the trick.

The setup involves two decks of standard playing cards, totaling 104 cards. From these, eight tableau piles are created, each initially containing four face-up cards. The objective of the game is to build eight foundation piles in ascending order from Ace to King, with each pile representing one suit.

With limited moves and a tight tableau, each decision really matters. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a solo card game that pushes your strategic thinking.

3. The Idiot — Simple Rules, Tricky Gameplay

Don’t let the name fool you. The Idiot -- named after Dostoyevsky's novel and originating in Sweden -- is surprisingly challenging. The rules are easy to learn, but winning requires careful thought.

The setup involves a standard deck of 52 cards. Your objective is to move all the cards to the foundation piles by suit, starting from Ace to King. Each foundation pile represents one suit, and the tableau serves as the arena where you must skillfully arrange and maneuver the cards.

This makes The Idiot an ideal entry point if you're looking to progress to more advanced one player card games.

4. Devil’s Grip — A Tough But Rewarding Puzzle

Devil’s Grip lives up to its name. This tricky card game throws down a tough challenge, requiring you to stack cards into foundations in ascending order.

The game begins with an initial tableau of cards arranged chaotically. The goal is to organize the entire deck into four foundation piles, each representing a suit, in ascending order. The challenge lies not only in the complexity of the initial layout but also in the limited tableau space, forcing players to carefully plan each move.

If you’re looking for a solo card game that tests your patience and strategy, Devil’s Grip will keep you coming back.

5. Klondike — The Most Popular Solo Card Game

Klondike is arguably the most famous form of Solitaire, and for good reason. It's easy to learn but endlessly replayable.

The game starts with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to build four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King. The tableau, where the cards are initially dealt, becomes the arena for you to make strategic moves and uncover hidden cards.

Klondike introduces an element of chance with a draw pile, allowing you to flip additional cards and revealing opportunities for skillful maneuvers.

Every draw and move requires smart thinking. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, Klondike is one of the most reliable single player card games around.

6. Beleaguered Castle — A Battle of Wits

In Beleaguered Castle (also called Laying Siege or Sham Battle), the game starts with a tableau resembling a castle, featuring eight foundation piles representing the outer walls.

Your objective is to build the foundation piles up in ascending order, from Ace to King. The challenge lies in the limited space and careful consideration of each move, as the cards can only be moved to the foundation piles or to an empty tableau space.

With limited moves and strict rules, every decision feels like part of a strategic siege. This game combines visual flair with brainy gameplay — perfect for those who love planning ahead.

7. Poker Squares (Poker Patience) — Poker Meets Puzzle

Love poker? Then try Poker Squares, a fun mashup of poker and solitaire.

The setup involves dealing a standard deck of 52 cards into a 5x5 grid. The objective is to form the best poker hands horizontally and vertically, with each row and column serving as an individual hand. The challenge lies in maximizing the score by creating strong poker hands while carefully managing the limited space of the grid.

What makes Poker Squares stand out is its dual nature—it's a game of poker and a spatial puzzle rolled into one. You must consider not only the value of individual cards but also the potential combinations that can be formed in each row and column.

Balancing short-term and long-term planning is key here. It’s an excellent single player card game for poker fans who enjoy playing solo.

8. Pyramid — A Game of Pairs and Strategy

Pyramid looks simple at first glance, but it's surprisingly challenging.

The game begins with a pyramid-shaped tableau of cards, face-up, arranged in layers. The objective is to pair up cards that add up to 13 and remove them from the pyramid, ultimately clearing the entire pyramid. Cards from the stockpile are also available for play, providing additional opportunities for strategic moves.

On the surface, the rules are straightforward—clear the pyramid by matching pairs. However, the challenge lies in selecting pairs strategically, as not all cards are initially accessible. You must carefully plan your moves, considering the consequences on future possibilities.

9. Cribbage Squares — Cribbage, but Solo

Cribbage Squares combines the rules of cribbage with solitaire gameplay.

The setup involves dealing a standard deck of 52 cards into a 4x4 grid, creating sixteen individual squares. The objective is to form the best cribbage hands horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, much like in poker squares. Each row and column serves as an individual cribbage hand, and the player aims to maximize the point total across the entire grid.

You must not only consider the value of individual cards but also strategically place them within the grid to create optimal cribbage hands. The challenge lies in the careful balance between forming strong hands and optimizing the limited space available.

Every placement matters and success in Cribbage Squares hinges on your ability to think ahead.

10. Clock Solitaire — Beat the Clock (and the Cards)

If you want fast-paced action, Clock Solitaire is for you.

The setup involves arranging the cards in a circular pattern to resemble a clock face, with four foundation piles in the center. The objective is to move cards onto the foundation piles in ascending order, following the sequence of a clock—starting from Ace to King. The catch is that you must adhere to the clockwise movement, mirroring the hands of a clock.

What sets Clock Solitaire apart is its time-driven gameplay. Each move is a race against the ticking clock, adding a layer of intensity and strategic thinking to the traditional solitaire experience. The limited time available for each move forces you to make quick decisions, making every second count in the quest to organize the deck.

As the deck becomes smaller, the race against time becomes more challenging, requiring you to think on your feet and adapt your strategies to the fast-paced nature of Clock Solitaire.

It's simple, quick, and has just enough tension to make it exciting. This makes Clock Solitaire a perfect card game to play by yourself when you're short on time but still want a fun challenge.

Final Thoughts on the Best Solo Card Games

Whether you’re into classic games like Solitaire or want something a bit more strategic like Poker Squares, there’s a single player card game on this list for you. Playing alone doesn’t mean boring — quite the opposite. These one player card games offer mental stimulation, strategic depth, and a fun way to pass the time.

So grab your deck, find your favorite, and enjoy some solo card gaming today. It’s just you, the cards, and the quiet thrill of mastering every move.