How to Play One Handed Solitaire

How to Play One Handed Solitaire
Written By
C
Contributor
Published: Sep 16, 2008
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
2 minute read

This is an easy and fun variation on the classic solitaire game. Additionally, it's much easier than many solitaire games. Nearly anyone can play, from age five and up. Because it doesn't require a lot of space to play, it's a great way to pass time in the car, on the bus or on a plane. Be careful, though. Once you start, it's extremely hard to stop.

Hold the deck in your hand face down. Draw four cards from the back of the deck. Bring them face up to the top of the deck. Fan them out so you can see all four cards.

If the first and fourth card are the same suit, remove and discard the second and third cards. If the first and fourth card are the same number (or the same face card), remove and discard all four cards. If neither of these scenarios describes the hand, draw another card from the back.

Make sure you have at least four cards face up. For example, if you started off the game by eliminating the middle two cards, you now need to draw two more. If you were unable to eliminate any cards at the start, you want to draw one more and arrange the cards until you can only see the top four.

Continue play by drawing cards, eliminating cards as shown in step two. Draw more cards. Once you reach the end of the deck, the game is over.

If you have managed to discard all the cards in the pile, you win! In any case, shuffle the deck a few times and start over. This game can entertain for hours.

Warnings:

  • Like with most games that are highly addictive, it's important to take breaks and make sure you don't slouch over too much while playing.

Tips

Studies have shown that shuffling the deck seven times will give you the maximum randomization of cards.

Warnings

Like with most games that are highly addictive, it's important to take breaks and make sure you don't slouch over too much while playing.

Sponsored
Our Pastimes Logo

A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.