The watch solitaire is a simple and fun variation of the classic solitaire. Like other similar versions, this game is designed for one player only and is played with a deck of cards. Its peculiarity is that it does not require any strategy and that your success will be entirely linked to luck. To play, deal the cards, use the whole deck and learn how to win.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Game Plan
Step 1. Shuffle the deck of cards
You can use any deck of French cards for this game, so buy one at a store or get one you already have at home. Count the cards to make sure all 52 are present, otherwise you won't be able to win. Shuffle the deck and get ready to deal the cards. Alternatively, if you have a computer and an internet connection, you can play online.
Step 2. Find a flat, wide surface
The clock solitaire requires more space than the traditional solitaire. Find a large flat surface to play on, such as a desk or table. You can also play on the floor if you prefer to have even more space.
Step 3. Start dealing the cards
The solitaire of the clock takes its name from the arrangement of the cards, in a circle in 12 piles of four. Each of these 12 bunches must be placed in correspondence with one of the clock numbers: a battery at 12 o'clock, one at 1 o'clock, one at 2 o'clock and so on. Distribute the cards face down in the 12 piles in a circle, until the 4-card piles are complete.
Step 4. Arrange the remaining deck in the center
After you have formed the 12 piles, you will have four cards left. Place this thirteenth stack of cards face down in the center of the circle.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Deck
Step 1. Play the first card
The thirteenth middle pile consists of four cards: turn one over and put it on top of the deck. Look at the card number to decide where you need to put it.
Step 2. Move the card to the pile corresponding to its number
Starting at the 1 o'clock position, arrange the cards in the piles associated with their number: the aces in the 1 o'clock pile, the two in the 2 o'clock pile, the three in the 3 o'clock pile, and so on up to 10. The court cards (knave, queen and king) go respectively to the piles at 11, 12 and 13, or the central one. When you have located the correct pile, slide the card face up under the pile.
Step 3. Find out the following card
Turn the top card of the stack to where you put the previous one. It will be the next card you play. Put it in the pile it belongs to. For example, a seven of diamonds goes under the stack at 7 o'clock. The queen of spades goes under the pile at 12 o'clock.
Step 4. Continue to uncover the cards
For each card you reveal and place in the correct pile, turn over another card that belongs to the same pile and continue the game. Clock Solitaire is more fun when played quickly, so try to arrange the cards as soon as you figure out where to put them. Keep playing until you have no more cards to reveal.
Part 3 of 3: Winning the Game
Step 1. Win by uncovering all the cards
If you have revealed and played the last card face down, after placing all the others in their piles, you win. All four kings will be in the center pile, the jacks in the pile at 11 o'clock, all six in the pile at 6 o'clock, and so on. Shuffle the cards and play another hand.
Step 2. You lose if you fail to reveal all the cards
If at the end of the game you have revealed all four kings, but some other cards are still face down, you have lost the game. Clock Solitaire is a game of pure luck, so don't get too frustrated. Shuffle the deck well and try again.
Step 3. Don't worry about the strategy
Contrary to other versions of solitaire, strategy plays no role in the clock version. The order of the cards is left entirely to chance and is influenced only by their initial distribution. In fact, you have a 1 in 13 chance of winning - the exact number of stacks you have created.
Advice
- This game is very simple, so you can use it to teach kids about numbers and card games.
- Make sure you leave enough space between the stacks. If they are too close, you could confuse them and ruin the game.
- There are no variations of the clock solitaire, but there are many other solitaires based solely on luck. When the watch bores you, learn these other versions.
