If you only know Klondike, you're missing a lot of good games. There are many solitaire variants out there, and some feel brand new even though the rules are old. Here are the ones worth trying in 2026 and why each one is fun.

Key points
  • Many "new" variants are classics most people never tried, like Yukon and Scorpion.
  • Each variant changes one or two rules, which changes the whole feel.
  • Modes like the daily challenge give old games a fresh reason to play.
  • Start with an easy variant, then move to a harder one when you're ready.
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Why try a new variant

Playing the same game over and over can get stale. A new variant fixes that fast. Most change only a rule or two, so you don't have to learn everything from scratch. But that small change can flip the whole feel of a round.

You can browse a full set on the more games page. It's an easy way to sample a few and see what clicks. If a rule ever trips you up, a quick read of the rules page spells out how each game works, so you're never stuck guessing what a move should do.

Games that let you move groups

In Klondike, you can only move cards that are in the right order. Some variants loosen that up, and it feels great.

Yukon Solitaire lets you move a whole group of cards even when they're not in order. That opens up moves you can't make in Klondike, so the game feels more open. Most cards start face up too, so you can plan further ahead.

Russian Solitaire is like Yukon but harder. You build down by suit instead of by color, which cuts your options in a big way. If Yukon feels good and you want more of a fight, Russian is the next step up. It looks almost the same at first, but that one rule change makes every move count more.

Tougher boards for a challenge

Some players want a real puzzle. These variants deliver.

Scorpion Solitaire plays a bit like Spider but with its own rules. You build long runs down and try to free the buried cards. It rewards planning and punishes rushing.

Forty Thieves uses two full decks and is famous for being tough. Win rates are low, so a win feels earned. If you like games where you have to think hard, this one keeps you busy for a while. For a lighter but still tricky pick, Canfield is a classic with its own charm, and it plays fast enough that a loss never stings for long.

Quick variants for short breaks

Not every variant is a brain-bender. Some are fast and light, perfect for a few free minutes.

  • TriPeaks is all about long chains. Clear a card one higher or one lower and keep the run going.
  • Golf Solitaire uses the same chain idea on a flatter, simpler board.
  • Pyramid Solitaire has you pair cards that add up to 13 and pull them off.

These are great when you want to relax and not think too hard. Rounds are short, so it's easy to play one more.

New modes on old games

Sometimes the fresh part isn't a new game at all. It's a new way to play an old one. Two modes stand out.

The daily challenge gives everyone the same deal each day. Even a game you've played a hundred times feels new when the whole world is solving the same board. Online multiplayer turns a solo game into a race, so the same cards give you a brand new thrill. These modes cost nothing to try, and they can make an old favorite feel fresh again.

The variants worth playing this year

Here's a simple way to pick. If you want more freedom, try Yukon. If you want a fight, try Scorpion or Forty Thieves. If you want speed, try TriPeaks or Golf. And if you want a fresh spin on a game you already love, jump into the daily challenge.

The best part is you can try them all in one place without paying a thing. Start with an easy one, get a feel for it, then reach for a harder variant when you want more of a test. There's a lot to explore in 2026, and each new game is only a click away.