Penguin Solitaire

Game info

  • Decks: 1;
  • Difficulty: Easy;
  • Game time: Medium;
  • Probability of winning:: 90%;
  • Type: Skill;

Objetivo

To move all the cards to the foundations.

The game

Tableau
  • There are 7 piles that must be used to move the cards;
  • Cards must be build down in suit;
  • You can move a set of cards as long as they are in valid sequence and there are enough empty cells to perform the card-by-card move;
  • Empty spaces can be filled only by cards one rank below the base card of the foundations;
  • A King can be placed after an Ace.
Cells
  • The 7 cells can be occupied by any card;
  • They are used to store cards temporarily.
Foundations
  • Three of the 4 foundations already start with a card;
  • Build up in suit from the rank;
  • Aces goes after Kings.

Understanding Penguin Solitaire

When dealing cards, the first one is placed on the first pile. This is the "base card". Soon after, the other three cards of the same number are removed from the deck and placed in the first three Foundations.

This way, the base card always starts hidden behind 6 other cards in the first pile. You need to unlock this card in order to complete the Foundations.

Piles, when free, only accept a card or pile of cards starting with a card of a lower number than the base card. For example, if the base card is a 5, the piles must start with a 4.

Strategies

About Penguin Solitaire

Penguin Solitaire was created by David Parlett and was featured in the book "Penguin Book of Patience".

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How Solitaire Can Teach Mindfulness and Delayed Gratification

Solitaire, a game often seen as a simple diversion, holds within its ordered world a profound lesson in mindfulness and the art of delayed gratification. The solitary nature of the game encourages a player to be fully present in the moment, focusing on the cards, the possible moves, and the strategies to be employed. This singular concentration fosters a state of mindfulness, where external distractions fade away, allowing the player to engage in a form of active meditation. The rhythmic pattern of sorting and organizing the cards becomes a practice in patience and attentiveness, as one must remain aware of the present game state while also anticipating future moves. In this way, Solitaire trains the mind to be observant and deliberate, qualities that are essential for mindfulness.

Furthermore, Solitaire is not a game of instant rewards; it teaches players the value of delayed gratification. Unlike fast-paced games that offer immediate rewards and constant stimulation, Solitaire requires a player to work through the deck patiently, with the understanding that success may not be immediate. This pacing ensures that when victory comes, it is the result of persistence and the ability to delay the desire for an immediate outcome. In a world that often prioritizes instant gratification, Solitaire stands out as a bastion for the slower, more rewarding experience. It instills in players the understanding that some rewards are worth the wait, and that the satisfaction derived from achieving a goal is heightened by the effort and time invested in reaching it.

The Role of Solitaire in Elderly Brain Health: Keeping the Mind Sharp

Solitaire, a game often associated with leisurely pastime, has found its place as a cogent tool in the arsenal for promoting elderly brain health. As individuals age, the importance of maintaining cognitive agility becomes paramount, and Solitaire offers a readily accessible means to engage the brain in a range of mental exercises. The game's requirement for pattern recognition, strategic planning, and memory recall exercises key areas of the brain involved in cognitive preservation. Regular engagement in Solitaire can help older adults keep their minds sharp, potentially staving off the cognitive decline that can accompany aging. It's not just about moving cards, but rather about stimulating neural pathways, enhancing mental speed, and preserving the brain's plasticity, which are crucial for sustaining a high quality of cognitive function in the later years of life.

Moreover, Solitaire's inherent flexibility as a game that can be played both traditionally with cards or digitally on various devices adds to its appeal for the elderly, offering a comfortable and familiar interface to engage with technology. This intersection of traditional game mechanics with modern technology not only bridges generational gaps but also encourages a form of mental training that is both effective and enjoyable. The simplicity of Solitaire, requiring no complex rules or physical exertion, makes it an ideal brain exercise for the elderly, providing a gentle yet effective workout for the mind. By regularly arranging decks, sequencing suits, and solving layouts, elderly players can sharpen their mental faculties, potentially enhancing their daily functioning and prolonging their cognitive health.

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