Solitaire: A Game Of Skill, Patience And Consistency

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This post is about the experience when I first began to play Solitaire. Events occurred some eleven years ago….

Ladies First

It was the year 2007. My father had just purchased a personal computer and installed it in our sitting room. My sister and I were bored and began to explore the games on the computer. We had immediate grasp of Spider Solitaire and Minesweeper. For the rest, we just kept on making moves, trying to figure how they work.

One evening, my sister and I decided to try our luck at Solitaire. We took turns playing rounds, trying to see who lasted longer than the other. We kept at it, our hearts praying for a miracle. It seemed like a game of chance; you don’t know what lies underneath each deck.

I soon grew tired of the game. I often used the undo option to reverse up to ten moves all to no avail. It seemed like it was a game I could never win. I left my sister with the computer and went to stare at the television. About thirty minutes later, my sister’s scream drew my attention from my television and I rushed to meet her. There, before my very eyes, I saw something I had never seen before. The cards were cascading and there were little fireworks in the background… she had won the game!

Pride Goes Before A Fall

For a split second, I couldn’t believe it. I was the first person to understand how the game works; I was supposed to be better than my sister. I showed her the moves. I made her interested in the game. If anyone was to record the first win, it was supposed to be me. ME!

The following day, I went to the computer as soon as I could. I switched it on, clicked on the menu tab, selected games and then selected solitaire. I propped my back against the chair, adjusted to a comfortable grip on the mouse and began to play.

My first game was a major disappointment. I think I ran out of moves after just twenty moves or so. I refused to be denied a win. I began a new game. Here, I used the undo option as much as I could, trying to take advantage of all possible moves. My sister had recorded a win, the least I could do was to get one for myself.

Although it was not my intention, I started some sort of competition with my sister. The score was 1-0 and I had to equalize. I kept at it and kept on losing. My sister came around and watched my games over my shoulders. After witnessing a couple of my losses, she asked for an opportunity to play.

Then, there were only two possible explanations: my sister was just being lucky or I was just plain dumb. Why? Because she got a win with her very first game - the one she requested to play. This time I tried to share in her happiness but I couldn’t. I couldn’t understand it. It wasn’t fair. I can’t remember but it’s quite possible that I wanted to cry.

The Patient Dog Will Always Get A Bone

If I remember correctly, it took about a long while before I returned to Solitaire. Thankfully, my father had installed a collection of games and I was taking my time to explore them. I grew particularly fond of Chicken Invaders, Zuma and Beachhead. (There were others but I can’t remember their names).

One Sunday, I decided to return to Solitaire. (I remember it was a Sunday because I started playing in the afternoon and my mother was home. My mother spent her days at her shop expect Sundays which she spent at home.)

I sat by the computer and began to play away. I think I was passing the time until lunch was ready. I kept on playing, regardless of the many losses I recorded. Suddenly, it came my way. I’m referring to the angel that bestows winnings on ardent game players. It came as a surprise, a long awaited surprise though.

I screamed for joy as the fireworks began. I called for my sister. I needed her to witness my victory. Finally, I was assured I wasn’t the dumb one. It was like I was given cold water after walking in the hot desert for days parched and thirsty. I couldn’t contain my excitement.

Once A Loser…

I still play solitaire; sometimes I win, sometimes I don’t. but It doesn’t matter that much anymore. It’s just one of those things in life. I met someone a few years ago who claimed he never loses a game. I asked him to prove it but he kept putting me off. I wish him the best in life.

To be honest, I still get that frustrated feeling each time I lose. That applies to other card games too. I’m heavy on hearts too. For those who are familiar with hearts, shooting the moon is like the best thing you can do in every round. Sometimes that spells my doom. LOL

Thanks for reading.

Blessings