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Download on Google Play- Deal 25 cards face up in a 5x5 grid.
- Keep remaining 27 cards as stock.
- Find and remove adjacent pairs of the same rank (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal).
- Consolidate remaining cards to fill gaps.
- Deal from stock to refill the grid.
- Win by removing all 26 pairs (52 cards).
Rules
Monte Carlo Solitaire is a pair-matching solitaire game where cards are laid out in a 5x5 grid and adjacent pairs of the same rank are removed. After removing pairs, the remaining cards are consolidated and new cards are dealt from the stock to refill the grid. The game is won when all cards are paired and removed. Its simple matching mechanic makes it accessible, but strategic pair selection adds depth.
Objective
Remove all 52 cards from the grid by matching and removing adjacent pairs of the same rank.
Setup
- Players: 1
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck
- Layout: Deal 25 cards face up in a 5x5 grid. The remaining 27 cards form the stock pile.
Gameplay
- Match pairs: Identify two cards of the same rank that are adjacent to each other (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) in the grid.
- Remove pairs: Remove the matched pair from the grid, leaving two empty spaces.
- Consolidate: After removing all possible pairs, consolidate the remaining cards by sliding them together row by row (left to right, top to bottom) to fill gaps.
- Refill: Deal new cards from the stock to fill the empty positions at the end of the grid back to 25 cards (or as many as the stock allows).
- Repeat: Continue matching, consolidating, and refilling until all cards are removed or no more matches are possible.
Scoring
- Win: All 52 cards are removed from the grid in pairs.
- Loss: No adjacent pairs of the same rank exist and the stock is empty.
- Progress: Count removed pairs (out of 26 total) as a score.
Variations
- Fourteen Out: Cards in a grid are paired if they sum to 14 instead of matching rank.
- Nestor: Six rows of eight cards where matching pairs are removed from column tops.
- Double Monte Carlo: Uses two decks and a larger grid for extended play.
Tips and Strategies
- Before removing pairs, scan the entire grid for all available matches and choose the best ones.
- Consider how consolidation will rearrange remaining cards and potentially create new adjacencies.
- When multiple pairs are available, prioritize removing pairs that are blocking other potential matches.
- Think ahead about what cards remain in the stock and how they might pair with grid cards.
Tips & Strategy
Scan the entire grid before removing any pairs. Consider how consolidation changes adjacencies. Remove pairs that block other matches first. Think about remaining stock cards and potential future pairings.
The order in which you remove pairs matters because consolidation changes the entire layout. Always check all available pairs before removing any, and choose the order that creates the most new adjacencies after consolidation.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Monte Carlo Solitaire is one of the easiest solitaire games to learn but has a surprisingly low win rate of around 25-30%. The consolidation step is key, as it creates new adjacencies that can unlock otherwise impossible matches.
In Monte Carlo Solitaire, what counts as adjacent? Answer: Cards that are next to each other horizontally, vertically, or diagonally in the grid.
History & Culture
Monte Carlo Solitaire is named after the famous Monte Carlo casino in Monaco, though the connection to gambling is primarily in name only. The game has been popular since at least the early 20th century as an accessible patience game.
Monte Carlo Solitaire is one of the most recognized pair-matching solitaire games worldwide. Its simple mechanic has made it a popular introduction to solitaire for new players and a staple in digital card game collections.
Variations & House Rules
Fourteen Out uses sum-to-14 matching instead of rank matching. Double Monte Carlo uses two decks. Some versions use a 4x4 grid for a quicker game.
Use a larger grid (6x6) with two jokers added for an easier game. Allow diagonal-only matching for extra challenge. Use a 4x4 grid for a quicker version.
