Why solitaire remains a popular game: reasons and health benefits
3 april 2025 в 23:13
As one of the oldest card games, Solitaire continues to be extremely popular among modern audiences — both in digital format and with physical playing cards. In fact, according to Statista, over two billion Solitaire apps were downloaded in 2024 alone.
Vadim Khrulev, founder of Kraisoft, the parent company of The Solitaire, explains that one of the reasons for Solitaire’s enduring popularity is its partly addictive nature. Fortunately, this is not a harmful addiction like other habits. But there are many good reasons why players keep coming back to this beneficial card game time and time again.
«One of the unique aspects of Solitaire is that it is a card game that you can play entirely by yourself», - notes Khrulev. «This makes the game perfect for those times when no one else in your house wants to play, or when you just need a quiet and relaxing activity that you can do alone. And, most importantly, with digital Solitaire apps, you can play anytime, anywhere. This makes it perfect for those times when you have no other activities to pass the time — for example, when you are commuting to work on the bus».
Indeed, the name of the game «Solitaire» actually comes from the same word in French, which means lonely or solitary. The simple fact that you don’t need to gather a group has significantly contributed to its status as a «pick up and play» game.
Another part of Solitaire’s appeal is that one round can be completed relatively quickly. Although the exact game time will vary depending on luck and the player’s skill level, a round of Solitaire can often be completed in just 10−15 minutes.
«The quick game time makes Solitaire an ideal break in our busy schedule», - explains Khrulev. «Unlike other games that often require much more time investment, you can fit a round of Solitaire in between tasks or during a lunch break. The quick game time for one round gives you the flexibility to simply play one round when you have little time, or play several rounds when you have a bit more free time. This allows you to fit the game into your schedule as you see fit».
Another notable attribute behind Solitaire’s enduring popularity is the sense of reward that players feel after completing a round. «Solitaire is like a giant puzzle», - says Khrulev.
«With this in mind, every step forward brings you closer to solving this puzzle, and successfully completing a round can be incredibly satisfying. Even when players do not succeed, they can enjoy the feeling of personal progress, identifying ways to do better next time. And experienced players can find new ways to increase their enjoyment, such as setting a goal to win with fewer moves. The feeling of reward and satisfaction is a big part of what keeps people coming back».
The dopamine rush that comes from winning at Solitaire can help relieve stress and uplift players' mood for the rest of the day.
In addition to providing a dopamine rush, it has been found that Solitaire also brings several additional benefits for players' mental and emotional health. Unlike social networks, which have been found to have a negative addictive influence, playing Solitaire can actually improve players' emotional and psychological well-being, providing a form of light cognitive exercise.
For example, playing a round of Solitaire requires players to think strategically when planning their moves and finding the right solution. The process of playing Solitaire can improve problem-solving skills, concentration, and overall mental agility.
At the same time, since Solitaire is a «low-risk» activity, it also allows players to let their minds wander and reflect. This can lead to better decision-making in other areas of life, especially when players also apply the lessons of patience and perseverance that can be learned
Vadim Khrulev, founder of Kraisoft, the parent company of The Solitaire, explains that one of the reasons for Solitaire’s enduring popularity is its partly addictive nature. Fortunately, this is not a harmful addiction like other habits. But there are many good reasons why players keep coming back to this beneficial card game time and time again.
«One of the unique aspects of Solitaire is that it is a card game that you can play entirely by yourself», - notes Khrulev. «This makes the game perfect for those times when no one else in your house wants to play, or when you just need a quiet and relaxing activity that you can do alone. And, most importantly, with digital Solitaire apps, you can play anytime, anywhere. This makes it perfect for those times when you have no other activities to pass the time — for example, when you are commuting to work on the bus».
Indeed, the name of the game «Solitaire» actually comes from the same word in French, which means lonely or solitary. The simple fact that you don’t need to gather a group has significantly contributed to its status as a «pick up and play» game.
Another part of Solitaire’s appeal is that one round can be completed relatively quickly. Although the exact game time will vary depending on luck and the player’s skill level, a round of Solitaire can often be completed in just 10−15 minutes.
«The quick game time makes Solitaire an ideal break in our busy schedule», - explains Khrulev. «Unlike other games that often require much more time investment, you can fit a round of Solitaire in between tasks or during a lunch break. The quick game time for one round gives you the flexibility to simply play one round when you have little time, or play several rounds when you have a bit more free time. This allows you to fit the game into your schedule as you see fit».
Another notable attribute behind Solitaire’s enduring popularity is the sense of reward that players feel after completing a round. «Solitaire is like a giant puzzle», - says Khrulev.
«With this in mind, every step forward brings you closer to solving this puzzle, and successfully completing a round can be incredibly satisfying. Even when players do not succeed, they can enjoy the feeling of personal progress, identifying ways to do better next time. And experienced players can find new ways to increase their enjoyment, such as setting a goal to win with fewer moves. The feeling of reward and satisfaction is a big part of what keeps people coming back».
The dopamine rush that comes from winning at Solitaire can help relieve stress and uplift players' mood for the rest of the day.
In addition to providing a dopamine rush, it has been found that Solitaire also brings several additional benefits for players' mental and emotional health. Unlike social networks, which have been found to have a negative addictive influence, playing Solitaire can actually improve players' emotional and psychological well-being, providing a form of light cognitive exercise.
For example, playing a round of Solitaire requires players to think strategically when planning their moves and finding the right solution. The process of playing Solitaire can improve problem-solving skills, concentration, and overall mental agility.
At the same time, since Solitaire is a «low-risk» activity, it also allows players to let their minds wander and reflect. This can lead to better decision-making in other areas of life, especially when players also apply the lessons of patience and perseverance that can be learned
© Smirnova Olga
