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Is Solitaire Good for Your Brain?

Many people play solitaire to relax and keep their mind active. Here's an honest look at what the game asks of you, and what research does and doesn't say.

What solitaire asks your brain to do

• Pay attention. You need to notice which cards are available and which are not.
• Remember. You keep track of cards you've seen, especially in the stock and waste pile.
• Plan ahead. A good move now can open up a better one later, so you think a step or two ahead.
• Spot patterns. Matching colors, suits and numbers in order is a steady pattern-matching exercise.
• Make decisions. Most turns have more than one possible move, and you choose between them.

What the research shows

It's reasonable to say solitaire keeps your mind busy. But the evidence that playing it improves memory or protects against conditions like dementia is limited, and no single game can promise that. Studies on mentally active hobbies in general are encouraging, but they don't prove that any one activity, including solitaire, will prevent memory problems.

If you're worried about your memory or someone else's, talk to a doctor. A card game is a pleasant pastime, not a treatment.

Other reasons people enjoy it

• It's calming. A quiet game with a clear goal is a nice way to take a break.
• It's easy to fit in. A game takes just a few minutes, and you can stop at any point.
• It's a gentle challenge. You can play at your own pace with no one waiting on you.

Ways to make it more of a challenge

• Try draw 3. Turning over three cards at a time is harder and needs more planning. See draw 1 vs draw 3.
• Plan before you move. Look at the whole board and decide what you want to uncover first.
• Go easy on Undo. Try to think each move through before you make it.
• Learn a new strategy. Our strategy tips give you new things to try.