Solitaire vs Patience: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever searched for card games online, you’ve probably noticed that some sources say “Solitaire” and others say “Patience.” Are they different games? Different rules? Or the same thing with two names?
The short answer: they’re the same games. The difference is purely regional.
The Naming Split
| Solitaire | Patience | |
|---|---|---|
| Used in | United States, Canada | UK, Europe, Australia, most of the world |
| Language origin | French: solitaire (“alone, solitary”) | French: la patience (“patience”) |
| Refers to | Single-player card games | Single-player card games |
| First recorded use | Late 18th century | Mid-18th century |
The European Name: Patience
“Patience” was the original name for single-player card games in Europe. The term comes from the French la patience and reflects the calm, methodical thinking that these games require. In most European languages, the word is similar:
- French: La patience
- German: Die Patience (or Geduld)
- Spanish: Solitario (an exception — Spain uses the “alone” name)
- Italian: Solitario (another exception)
- Dutch: Patience
- Swedish: Patiens
- Danish: Kabale
- Norwegian: Kabal
The American Name: Solitaire
North America adopted “Solitaire” — from the French word for “solitary” or “alone” — emphasizing that these are games you play by yourself. The term became dominant in the US and Canada, and Microsoft’s decision to name its Windows game “Solitaire” cemented the American term as the global default in digital gaming.
Interestingly, “solitaire” in French originally referred to a board game (peg solitaire or marble solitaire), not card games. The application of the word to card games appears to be a North American evolution.
When Microsoft Changed Everything
Before 1990, the naming split was relatively stable — Europeans said “Patience,” Americans said “Solitaire,” and neither group thought much about it. Then Microsoft Windows 3.0 included a card game called “Solitaire,” and the balance shifted permanently.
Because Windows became the world’s dominant operating system, hundreds of millions of people worldwide were introduced to the game under the name “Solitaire.” Even in countries where “Patience” was traditional, younger generations began using “Solitaire” because that’s what their computer called it.
Today, if you search online:
- “Solitaire” gets roughly 10x more search traffic than “Patience” in most countries
- Even in the UK, “Solitaire” now slightly outpaces “Patience” in online searches
- “Patience” remains common in spoken language in the UK and Europe, but digital contexts favor “Solitaire”
Are the Rules Different?
No. Klondike Solitaire in America plays exactly the same as Klondike Patience in England. Spider Solitaire is Spider Patience. FreeCell is FreeCell in both naming conventions.
The rules, layout, and gameplay are identical — only the umbrella term changes.
Other Names for Solitaire Around the World
Some regions have unique names that don’t map to either “Solitaire” or “Patience”:
| Region | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Kabale | From French “cabale” (intrigue/plot) |
| Norway | Kabal | Same origin as Danish |
| Poland | Pasjans | From French “patience” |
| Russia | Пасьянс (Pasyans) | From French “patience” |
| Japan | ソリティア (Soritia) | From English “Solitaire” |
“Solitaire” in Other Contexts
The word “solitaire” has meanings beyond card games:
- Peg solitaire: A board game where you jump pegs over each other to remove them (known as “Solo Noble” in some countries)
- Solitaire diamond: A single diamond set alone in jewelry
- Solitaire (bird): An extinct bird from the Mascarene Islands
When most people say “Solitaire” today, they mean the card game — specifically Klondike, thanks to Microsoft’s influence.
Which Term Should You Use?
It depends on your audience:
- Writing for an American audience: Use “Solitaire”
- Writing for a British audience: Either works, but “Patience” sounds more natural in casual speech
- Writing for a global/digital audience: Use “Solitaire” — it’s the dominant search term worldwide
- In conversation: Use whatever feels natural for your region
Whatever you call it, the game is the same — and it’s been captivating people for over 250 years. Play Solitaire (or Patience) online — free, no download required.