Here are some quick links to recent solitaire-related news and information:

Defeat Dark Forces In The Chronicles Of Emerland Solitaire

"The solitaire card game features a storyline involving saving elves, dwarves, mermaids, and humans from invading dark forces. To defeat the dark forces in the battle you will have to visit the Kingdom of the Elves in a vast forest; climb mountains and find the Dwarves' holy place wandering through cave mazes; sink to the ocean depths to protect the Kingdom of the Mermaids from imminent destruction and to save the shrine of the Kingdom of the Humans from ruin." For MacOS. [link]

Solitaire Arena review

"Solitaire Arena is a fun take on traditional Klondike Solitaire. The competitive element gives this normally rather sedate game a feeling of urgency and provides a welcome twist on an old classic. While it's not the most innovative game you'll see on Facebook, it is at least one that a lot of people will be able to pick up and play without having to learn new, complicated sets of rules – anyone who has used Windows has probably played Klondike Solitaire at one point or another." [link]

Police officer caught playing Solitaire on his computer reprimanded

"The Central Michigan University police officer caught playing Solitaire on his computer while on duty has been given a written reprimand. Officer Carl Williams was caught playing the game when a student was nearly hit by a vehicle. 'He was very apologetic, he understands that it was a bad decision and that he shouldn't have been doing it.' [link]

Solitaire Blitz: fishing for chump change, catching chumps

"The rub is that I am supposed to spam my friends, whether they play or not, doing PopCap's marketing work for them – and I don't want to. I hate receiving notification spam, and even though I know that I am quite restrained in my use of social gaming, I feel embarrassed by it. It's begging, isn't it? Did the casual and mid-core industry simply forget we exist, in its bid to jump on the lucrative-looking social and micro-transaction gaming bubble?" [link]

Solitaire In The News is a periodical roundup of news and notes focused on solitaire and patience card games, including solitaire in the news, solitaire game releases, and more from fans of all types of solitaire card games!

To keep up on the latest solitaire news, follow Solitaire Central on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the free RSS feed.

Here are some quick links to recent solitaire-related news and information:

Solitaire Blitz comes to iOS

Solitaire Blitz is now available in the Apple App Store. Discover a whole new world of solitaire in this fast-paced treasure hunt! Match cards quickly to clear the decks in 60 seconds, collect treasures, and compete with friends.
[link]

Games.com calls Solitaire Blitz "the card game for people who hate card games", which is not very nice.

I tried it briefly on Facebook, and found it to be a hyperactive version of Golf Solitaire, which is far from my favorite solitaire game. But my wife is addicted to Solitaire Blitz on Facebook, and the game has over 1 million fans there, so I suppose I'm the outlier here....

Solitaire Is My Game

A New York Times letter says: "Computer solitaire is my game. Yes, it is an addiction but not a waste of time because it's a tranquilizer that is not harmful to my health. At 90, I find it a pleasant way to delay dementia because it stimulates the brain. You compete against yourself and never have to find an opponent of equal or higher level." [link]

Accordion Solitaire for iPad

"Sprightly Software is thrilled to announce the release of Accordion Solitaire 1.0 for iPad, the latest in Sprightly's series of solitaire games for iOS. Players work their way through a 52-card deck by matching cards of the same suit or same number. Cards can be matched if they are beside each other or three cards from each other. The goal of the game is to clear as many cards as possible. Although easy to play, it can be hard to win. Players must use their creativity and planning skills to master this game!" [link]

Solitaire Multipack+ for iOS

Solitaire Multipack+ is a fast-growing solitaire collection for iOS devices (the developer says "We try to add new games every week!"). It provides a number of the most popular Solitaire variations in a single app, including three Spider games, two Klondikes, two Pyramids, one Mahjong solitaire, and one version of Freecell. This universal app works on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch mobile devices. [link]

Solitaire In The News is a periodical roundup of news and notes focused on solitaire and patience card games, including solitaire in the news, solitaire game releases, and more from fans of all types of solitaire card games!

To keep up on the latest solitaire news, follow Solitaire Central on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the free RSS feed.

Here are some quick links to recent solitaire-related news and information:

Montreal councillors caught playing solitaire during citizen Q&A

"QMI Agency caught several city councillors visiting Facebook and playing solitaire in during a citizen Q&A at City Hall, but not one of them apologized after they were busted. 'I do what I want with my laptop. I can still hear what's happening in the chamber. I'm still paying attention.'" [link]

Ed. Note: There's no need to apologize for playing solitaire! ;)

An Intriguing Relationship Between Solitaire and Texas Hold'em

"Starting-hand selection is critical in both solitaire and poker. It is important to give due consideration to your holecards in poker and your initial face-up cards in solitaire. If you do not, and then play hands dealt to you without regard for the relationships among your cards, I can guarantee you will be a loser. Intelligent, well-informed starting-hand selection is essential to being a winner in both games." [link]

Do People Really Want Social Games?

"But do people want social? Do they really? Because then I have to ask why Solitaire is still one of the most popular PC games in the universe, despite its, you know, solitariness." [link]

Solitaire: Me vs. Me

"I learned to play solitaire as a child. Its advantages over other games were obvious, even then. No need to persuade a friend to play or explain the boring rules, no hard feelings when someone won or lost, no lessons required, no costly equipment to badger my parents into buying. I could play whenever and wherever I wanted. All I needed was a deck of cards." [link]

Solitaire Game Releases

• Spider Solitaire, blugri [Windows Phone]
• Seven Seas Solitaire, Big Fish Games [Windows]
• Canfield Solitaire, Sprightly Software [iOS]

Notable Quote

"I know maybe a dozen writers hooked on computer solitaire. It's the ideal writer's game. It even feels a little like writing, only more relaxing."
 ~ Francine Prose

Solitaire In The News is a periodical roundup of news and notes focused on solitaire and patience card games, including solitaire in the news, solitaire game releases, and more from fans of all types of solitaire card games!

To keep up on the latest solitaire news, follow Solitaire Central on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the free RSS feed.

• Unique gameplay
• Incredible locations
• Solve crimes!

Requires: Windows XP/Vista, 256MB RAM, 52MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

Relax with a regal pastime in Royal Challenge Solitaire, an addictive variation of the classic card game. Simply remove all of the cards on the table by clicking on those whose value is one higher or lower than the top card in the open deck. It sounds simple, but how long can you keep the chain going?

• Awesome gameplay
• Incredible achievements
• Take on a Royal Challenge!
• Receive the royal treatment in this addictive game of Solitaire.
• Play 100 unique and stunning levels.
• Remove cards by selecting those one higher or lower than the top card.
• Select from two captivating game modes.

Requires: Windows XP/Vista, 512MB RAM, 33MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

Which brings up the obvious, and very important, question: What will solitaire look like on Windows 8?

Here's a screen shot and description from the Windows Store:

Solitaire is back for Windows 8! The game you've played and loved for years returns to the Windows 8 Beta to challenge you again. Play Solitaire with your touch screen tablet or traditionally with a PC mouse. Featuring play in both full screen and Snapped view. Features Xbox LIVE integration, Play in Regular or Snapped view, Choose from either single or three card draw for a different challenge.

According to softechguru:

Even Microsoft's crusty old version of Solitaire has gotten a Metro-style overhaul for Windows 8. Purists might moan about some of the gameplay changes – points are awarded for all card placement, and you can flip the deck unlimited times – but at least the annoying "ding" sound effect for invalid moves has been toned down.

At ZDNet, James Kendrick writes a bit about what we can expect in the new OS (Metro apps that should be included with Windows 8 at launch):

The launch of the most innovative version of Windows is inching nearer, and as information trickles out speculation is ramping up. The Metro interface is polarizing those who try it, and how well it will be received at launch will rely in large part on what apps are available on day one. Metro apps are brand new to the platform, and having a good selection at launch is crucial.

Solitaire: This one sounds frivolous, but the Solitaire game is a fixture for the Windows platform. An updated version of Solitaire to take advantage of the touch interface in Metro, with updated graphics would make new users feel like they are coming home.

There's currently no word on which solitaire games will be included. Klondike probably for sure. Freecell? Spider?

If you're interested in finding out for yourself, Microsoft has released a Windows 8 Consumer Preview which you can download and install for free.

(I have not checked out the preview. I don't have a spare computer to put it on, and don't want to risk messing up my main PC or laptop.)

If you know any details, please share in the comments!

Solitaire Kingdom is a fresh new way to play your favorite Solitaire game, and it is totally fun and addictive. Other neat Solitaire Kingdom features include: Quick play which lets you play fast with just one click per card, an Award system that rewards you for big plays, and infinite Daily Challenges that keep the fun going, and going, and going. And finally, as a reward for your great playing, you will unlock the the ultimate solitaire challenge: The Dragon Double Deck game awaits!

• Incredible gameplay
• Fantastic action
• A new way to play Solitaire!
• Unlock Kingdom Cards to build your own custom games. Over 16000 combinations!
• Daily challenges of the day, that never run out!
• Make the game as relaxing or challenging as you want.
• The ulimate solitaire challenge: The Dragon Double Deck Solitaire game.
• Beautifully drawn card characters, card backs and top notch game music.
• Win awards and build your own Solitiare Coat Of Arms.

Requires: Windows XP/Vista, 256MB RAM, 68MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

Solitaire Kingdom Quest expands on the hit Solitaire Kingdom Supreme game, and adds 60 levels featuring new powerups and new challenges. There is a huge amount of Solitaire fun packed into this game waiting just for you.

• Make the King proud
• Master the minigames
• Defeat the Gremlins!
• 60 levels of Solitaire fun, each a unique game.
• Evil Knight mini games!
• New powerups like Wolf Pack and Dragon's Hoard.
• Pleasing graphics, sound and music.
• All stats and top scores saved.

Requires: Windows XP/Vista/Win7, 512MB RAM, 94MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

• Incredible animations
• Different difficulty levels
• Survive SpiderMania!

Requires: Windows XP/Vista, 512MB RAM, 10MB Disk Space, DirectX 8.1 or later

• Gripping gameplay
• Challenging combos
• Follow a pirate's map!

Requires: Windows XP/Vista, 256MB RAM, 33MB Disk Space, DirectX 8.0 or later

• Enjoy a unique combination of hidden object and solitaire
• Play four different kinds of cartomancy
• Unravel the mystery behind each card
• Use powerful magic
• Save the entire planet
• Find the magic cards!

Requires: Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7, 1024MB RAM, 155MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

• Stylish card game.
• 48 solitaire levels.
• 8 signature styles.
• Share photos with friends.

Requires: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, 128MB RAM, 55MB Disk Space, DirectX 8.1 or later

• Colorful graphics
• Magical upgrades
• Stop the evil sorcerer

Requires: Windows XP/Vista/Win7, 1024MB RAM, 34MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

• Comfortable environment
• Gripping gameplay
• Dive into the summertime!

Requires: Windows XP/Vista, 256MB RAM, 21MB Disk Space, DirectX 9.0 or later

BVS Solitaire Collection gives you a plethora of statistical and scoring screens. Track your performance and progress in playing solitaire, and even publish your personal statistics on the BVS Solitaire Collection web site to appear in the top scores list.

The interface is completely customizable. You can choose from lots of backgrounds and card backs, or you can
use any .bmp or .jpg image files to create your own backgrounds and card backs.

• More than 4 billion possible starting positions for each game
• "You Are Stuck" feature lets you know if there are no more legal moves to be made
• "Show Next Move" command allows to check available moves to make
• Support for both Drag-and-Drop and Point-and-Click methods to move cards
• Empty foundation pile indicator
• Convenient user-customizable toolbar
• Multi-level undo/redo
• Save game position along with undo/redo history
• Automatic game saving on exit
• Statistics for multiple players, with a score history graph that shows your performance and progress

• Over 400 Different Card Layouts!
• Gorgeous Backgrounds!
• Collect And Evolve All 32 Pets And Learn Their Secrets!
• Play With The Faeries In Faerie Land!

Requires: Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

This update is primarily a visual refresh – a new layout should provide more space for the content, and better navigation to help you find the information you're looking for.

I have plans to substantially increase the selection of games on the site, but this information will take some time to add, so for now, I'm just going to say "stay tuned, the best is yet to come".

The Solitaire Games of Skill collection has the best card mechanics of any solitaire software. You can move cards by clicking on the place you want them to go. You can swap columns of cards in order to obtain sequences of the same suit. Nearly every game allows the player supermoves as in the FreeCell game.

The frustration of playing a game for a while only to find out that the game was never winnable in the first place is obviated here. In many instances, if the layout does not give you a chance of winning, it is thrown out!

With its 424 games the Solitaire Games of Skill collection is not as large as some collections but there are no filler games here. You will not have to sort through a half dozen games before you find an interesting game. Almost half the games of Solitaire Games of Skill are new games not to be found elsewhere.

Requires: Windows 98 or later

• Western-style solitaire
• Action rounds
• Become a card-slingin' cowboy

Requires: Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 (recommended)+, 512MB RAM

Features Include: Customizable background and card, Drag-And-Drop or Click-And-Drop,Timing and Statistics. The game also provides hints and move suggestions to help you learn the game and improve your skils.

Requires Android 1.6 or later, and works on both phones and tablet devices.