National Solitaire Day

Next celebratedSaturday, May 22, 2027

Ready to put your skills to the test? Celebrate National Solitaire Day by playing your favorite card game and challenging yourself to beat your best score!

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEMay 22

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYGaming

INTRO

Introduction

Get your cards ready and mark your calendars for May 22, because it's National Solitaire Day! This beloved card game has been a favorite pastime for generations, providing hours of entertainment and challenging our strategic skills. Did you know that the first recorded game of solitaire was played in the mid-18th century by a German prince? Since then, it has become popular all over the world and even has its own annual holiday. So gather your friends or play solo, either way you'll be celebrating this classic game in style on National Solitaire Day!

TIMELINE

National Solitaire Day Timeline

First Record of Solitaire

The game of solitaire was first played by a German prince, and its rules were outlined in a German game anthology.

Spread to France and England

By 1801, solitaire had made its way to France and England, quickly becoming a popular pastime.

Solitaire Books Published

In the late 19th century, several books providing rules to hundreds of solitaire variants were published, spreading the game's popularity.

Microsoft Solitaire Launch

The software company Microsoft included a version of solitaire in its Windows 3.0 operating system, introducing it to a new generation of players.

Online Solitaire Emergence

With the rise of the internet, a number of websites began to offer online solitaire games, contributing to a resurgence in its popularity.

First National Solitaire Day

Microsoft declared May 22 as National Solitaire Day in 2018 to celebrate the game's 29th anniversary on its operating system.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Solitaire Day

Host a solitaire tournament

Gather your friends and family and host a solitaire tournament! Set up different levels and have prizes for the winners. It's a fun and competitive way to celebrate National Solitaire Day.

CREATE

Create a themed solitaire game

Put a twist on the classic solitaire game by creating a themed version. Use playing cards with pictures or symbols that represent a certain theme, such as animals, food, or travel. Get creative and have fun!

TAKE

Take on a challenging solitaire game

Challenge yourself by playing a more difficult version of solitaire, such as Spider or FreeCell. This is a great way to improve your skills and celebrate National Solitaire Day at the same time.

LEARN

Learn a new solitaire game

Expand your solitaire repertoire by learning a new game. There are many variations to choose from, such as Yukon, Klondike, and Pyramid. Challenge yourself with a new game and have fun while doing it!

DRESS

Dress up as a playing card

Get into the spirit of National Solitaire Day by dressing up as your favorite playing card character. You can choose to be the Queen of Hearts, the Joker, or any other card that speaks to you. It's a fun way to celebrate the holiday and show your love for solitaire.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Solitaire Day

It exercises the mind

Not only is solitaire a fun game, but it also provides mental stimulation by requiring players to strategize and think through each move. This can improve memory, cognitive skills, and problem-solving abilities - keeping our minds sharp and engaged.

It's a classic game

Solitaire has been around for centuries and remains one of the most popular and loved card games. It's a timeless pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it a perfect activity for families and friends to bond over.

It's great for relaxation

Sometimes we just need to take a break from our busy lives and unwind. Playing solitaire allows us to focus on something enjoyable and can help reduce stress levels. Plus, there's no pressure to compete against anyone else, so you can play at your own pace and simply enjoy the experience.

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