Solitaire - 6/4/2011

I've been rather obsessed with playing Solitaire lately, and of course...having the analytical mind that I do....I've tried to come to an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual messages inherent in this extraordinarily addictive game.

There's a lot to be said for Solitaire, analogies for winning strategies that can easily carry over into real-world applications.  Namely, the core of the game itself...which is nothing more than being aware of patterns and reacting accordingly.  Solitaire forces you to become more observant; to focus your perception and act deliberately.  If you breeze through the game, with only cursory glances at the cards on the table and the ones that you turn around in the deck, you'll quickly realize failure and have to start a new game, (unless dumb luck somehow wins the game for you).  No, there's very little chance of winning this game unless you PAY ATTENTION, and recognize patterns that might have eluded you otherwise.

The patterns would mean nothing, however, if they didn't reveal opportunities for connection.  Connection is how you win the game.  Seeing that a seemingly frivolous card can connect with another is only slightly rewarding, but having this connection than create a domino effect which opens up another connection, which leads to another, which may ultimately win the game for you....well, that feels as effortless as it is enjoyable!  

Solitaire is also extremely challenging.  It's not an easy game to win if you play it with Vegas stakes (flip one card every turn, and only go through the deck once).  And because of its difficulty, it can also become undeniably frustrating if you take it too seriously...whether you're playing for money or simply to improve your own winning streak.  But if you just play for fun, if you let the cards fall where they may and play with the hand you're dealt, you'll enjoy the game, win or lose.  It's peaceful and cathartic.  It's a mental exercise that releases pent up energy and brings your mind into the present.  But again, only if you play it correctly. 

I'll leave the rather obvious Solitaire = life analogy alone, as I feel that point may be a bit too heavy-handed even for me....but I will say this: Solitaire has taught me that, no matter how poorly or skilfully I play a game and despite how many times I win or lose, I can always play again.