Monte Carlo Solitaire

Monte Carlo Solitaire is a classic pair-matching card game that has delighted players for generations. Easy to learn but surprisingly hard to master, it challenges you to clear the entire deck by pairing up cards of the same rank that sit adjacent to each other on the board. No suits, no sequences — just sharp eyes and a cool head.

Also known as Weddings or Double and Quits, Monte Carlo Solitaire is one of the most satisfying patience games around. The board reshuffles and refills every round, keeping every session fresh and unpredictable. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, it is the perfect game to pick up and play — completely free, right here in your browser, with no download needed.

How to Play Monte Carlo Solitaire

The goal is simple: remove all 52 cards from the board by pairing them up before the deck runs out.

Setup

At the start of each game, the deck is shuffled and 25 cards are dealt face-up into a 5×5 grid — this is your tableau. The remaining 27 cards form the stock pile, waiting to refill the board as you play.

Making Pairs

Select two cards of the same rank (for example, two Sevens or two Queens) that are adjacent to each other — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. When you find a valid pair, both cards are discarded to the foundation. Suit does not matter; only the rank needs to match.

Consolidation & Refill

After all possible pairs have been removed, gaps are left on the board. Click the stock to trigger a consolidation: all remaining cards slide towards the top-left, filling every empty space. New cards from the stock are then dealt to complete the 5×5 grid again. Play continues until the stock is empty and no more valid pairs remain.

Winning

You win if every card is successfully paired and removed from the board before the stock runs out. The game is lost if the stock is depleted and no valid adjacent pairs remain.

Monte Carlo Solitaire Rules at a Glance

Monte Carlo Solitaire Strategy & Tips

Monte Carlo is partly a game of luck, but smart play makes a real difference. Use these tips to improve your win rate:

• Prioritise pairs that unblock other pairs. If removing one pair frees up two adjacent cards that are also a match, do it first.
• Be patient with loner pairs. Sometimes it is worth leaving a pair in place so that it later unlocks a stuck group (e.g. keep two Jacks together to free a separated pair of Jacks elsewhere).
• Think ahead before consolidating. The order cards slide into new positions during consolidation is fixed — scan the board and plan your last few moves before hitting the stock.
• Work from the corners. Cards in corners have fewer neighbours, making them harder to match. Clear them early whenever you can.
• Avoid isolating cards. If a card has no same-rank neighbour anywhere on the board, plan how to bring one closer via consolidation before removing surrounding cards.

Monte Carlo Solitaire Variants

Looking for a fresh twist? Try these popular variants:

Monte Carlo Thirteens

Instead of matching pairs of the same rank, you remove pairs whose values total 13 (e.g. a 4 and a 9, a 6 and a 7). A King, worth 13 on its own, is removed without needing a partner. A trickier variant that demands more calculation.

Monte Carlo Fourteens

Similar to Thirteens, but pairs must total 14 instead. A King (13) pairs with an Ace (1) to reach 14. A subtle change that completely alters board dynamics.

Fourteens (Same Row or Column)

Uses the same pairing rule as Fourteens, but removes the adjacency requirement — pairs only need to share the same row or column. More freedom, but it can feel almost too easy once you get the hang of it.

Why Play Monte Carlo Solitaire Online?

• Free to play — no account, no download, no catch.
• Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
• Unlimited undo: take back moves without penalty while you learn.
• Hint system: stuck? Get a nudge in the right direction.
• Auto-complete: the game finishes obvious moves for you.
• Clean, distraction-free interface — just you and the cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monte Carlo Solitaire?

Monte Carlo Solitaire is a patience card game where you remove pairs of same-rank cards that are adjacent to each other on a 5×5 grid. The goal is to clear all 52 cards before the stock runs out.

Is Monte Carlo Solitaire related to the casino in Monaco?

Despite the glamorous name, Monte Carlo Solitaire has no connection to the casino city of Monaco or to any gambling game. The name is simply a historical nickname — it is also called Weddings and Double and Quits.

How hard is Monte Carlo Solitaire to win?

Monte Carlo Solitaire has a moderate win rate. Luck plays a significant role in how the cards are dealt, but thoughtful play — especially knowing when not to take a pair — can meaningfully improve your chances.

Can I play Monte Carlo Solitaire on my phone?

Yes. Our version of Monte Carlo Solitaire is fully optimised for mobile and tablet play. The card grid scales automatically and touch controls feel natural on any screen size.

What does the Consolidation step do?

Consolidation slides all remaining tableau cards towards the top-left corner of the grid, eliminating gaps left by removed pairs. New cards from the stock then fill any empty slots at the end of the grid. This creates fresh adjacencies and new matching opportunities.

Is there a time limit?

No. Take as long as you like. Monte Carlo Solitaire is designed to be a relaxed, thoughtful game — there is no timer and no penalty for taking your time.

What other solitaire games are similar?

If you enjoy Monte Carlo Solitaire, you may also like Pyramid Solitaire (another pair-matching game, pairing cards that total 13), Golf Solitaire (fast-paced, sequence-based), and Aces Up (an elimination game with fewer cards). All are available on our site.