National Solitaire Day

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: Activities Fun
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every May 22
Holiday emoji:: 🃏

National Solitaire Day deals out a perfect hand of fun every May 22, celebrating the timeless card game that has captivated players for centuries. Whether you prefer Klondike, Spider, or FreeCell, it’s a day to shuffle up and play. Embrace the challenge, unwind with a few rounds, and share your high scores!

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Related

Expected National Solitaire Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Solitaire Day often brings digital discounts and special in-app events. Look for deals from major platforms like Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which frequently offers bonus challenges or coin packs. Mobile app developers such as MobilityWare and Brainium Studios might feature limited-time premium upgrades or ad-free play. Retailers like Amazon and Target could offer sales on physical playing card decks, while online game sites like Solitaired may host special tournaments or giveaways. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 22 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Solitaire Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalSolitaireDay. Film a speed-run of your favorite Solitaire variant or share tips for getting out of a tricky spot.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalSolitaireDay. Post a screenshot of your winning game, a creative card art photo, or a poll asking followers their favorite Solitaire version.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalSolitaireDay. Share your Solitaire strategy, challenge friends to beat your score, or tweet about the mental benefits of playing.

National Solitaire Day Hero

Wes Cherry

Wes Cherry is famously recognized as the original developer of Microsoft Solitaire. A summer intern at Microsoft in 1988, Cherry created the game for Windows 3.0, not expecting it to become one of the most played computer games in history. His creation helped millions of early Windows users learn how to use a mouse and navigate a graphical user interface, cementing Solitaire's place in digital culture.

History of National Solitaire Day

Remember the hours spent playing solitaire after it was launched on Microsoft Windows in 1990? Well, you aren’t alone in your obsession with this card game, since there are over 242 million people from over 200 countries who are equally addicted to it. However, solitaire wasn’t solely created as a fun game by Microsoft. It was created to teach people how to use the mouse attached to computers and train them to become accustomed to the device. Today, solitaire is one of the most beloved and viral PC games known to mankind and, seeing how it is played by millions of people across the globe, it seems like the trend of solitaire is going to continue for years to come.

Due to the popularity of the game, Microsoft declared May 22 as National Solitaire Day in 2018. The purpose of the day is to recognize the card game that has reigned supreme for over 30 years by hosting large-scale celebrations. The National Solitaire Day event itself has gained a lot of traction in the past few years and even broke records of the most games of solitaire ever played in one day in 2020. Other official commemorations of the event by Microsoft include special surprises for the players, a double XP bonus in the game on Windows and mobiles, and video testimonials recorded for the purpose of honoring fans. Solitaire was also honored in the Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019.

National Solitaire Day timeline

1746

The Oldest Version

The board game Peg Solitaire is all the rage.

18th century

It's in the Cards

The solitaire card game is introduced in Europe.

1902

A New Version

Klondike, a variation of Solitaire, becomes popular.

1989

Technological Advancement

An intern develops the solitaire software for Microsoft.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Solitaire Day

Local businesses can deal in on National Solitaire Day by hosting themed events or offering special promotions. Coffee shops could run a ‘Solitaire & Sip’ challenge, offering discounts to customers who complete a game while enjoying their beverage. Game stores might feature sales on playing card decks or Solitaire puzzle books. Even offices could organize a friendly Solitaire tournament during lunch breaks, encouraging mental breaks and team building. Digital businesses could launch new Solitaire variants or offer in-app bonuses.

National Solitaire Day FAQs

When is National Solitaire Day?

In 2027, National Solitaire Day is observed on Saturday, May 22, making it an ideal weekend activity for relaxation and strategic thinking.

How many people play Solitaire?

The enduring popularity of Solitaire continues to draw a vast global audience, with countless players engaging daily across various digital and physical platforms.

What are the benefits of playing Solitaire?

Beyond entertainment, Solitaire is celebrated for its ability to sharpen strategic thinking and patience, making it a valuable exercise for mental agility and focus.

Is Solitaire good for your brain?

Engaging with Solitaire regularly can contribute to cognitive fitness by stimulating areas of the brain responsible for pattern recognition and decision-making, offering a fun form of mental exercise.

National Solitaire Day Activities

Play the game online
The easiest way to celebrate the day is to get on your computer and play the game online. And yes, you can play solitaire for hours without being judged today.
Have a solitaire match with friends
Play the game online or in-person with friends. All you have to do is arrange a time and host different matches.
Host a solitaire-themed party
Have some fun with the day and host a solitaire-themed party. You can get really creative with the decor, food items, and costumes.

5 Fun Facts About Solitaire

A second name
Solitaire is also known as ‘Patience.’
The highest score
The top solitaire score is 24,113.
The Latin name
The name originated from the Latin word ‘solitarius’, meaning ‘alone’.
Professional solitaire player
A woman made $250,000 playing solitaire.
Different variations of the game
Solitaire has five variations — this includes Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, TriPeaks, and Pyramid.

Why We Love National Solitaire Day

It boosts the memory
To ace the game, it is essential to keep a track of the colors, suits, and numbers of the cards. Therefore, players experience an improvement in memory.
Helps in developing strategic skills
Like every other game, solitaire can’t be formed without a strategy. Hence, those who play the game often are feeding their brain with the ability to form quick strategies.
Solitaire calms the mind
Since a lot of concentration is required to play the game, solitaire players often tend to focus on the game and end up forgetting about the troubles of life. The state of being in the present reduces anxiety and calms the mind.