by Maria Malia

Created on: April 21, 2009

"Sol Free," developed by the software company Smallware, is the no-cost version of the IPhone (requires 2.0 software update)/IPod Touch app "Solebon Solitaire." "Sol Free" was released in August of 2008. While the full 99 cent version contains 40 different card games, this free version contains just 6. Six games can keep you entertained for hours.

The six games included in this free version are: Baker's Game; Baker's Game Easy; Demon; Klondike Deal 1; Klondike Deal 3; and Spiderette. Klondike Deal 3, a personal favorite, is much like the traditional old-fashioned card game that used to be played for hours at the kitchen table.

Graphics are clear, bright, large and uncluttered.

Clear and precise instructions are readily available. Subjects discussed in the "Help" section include:

...Starting a Game

...Moving Cards

...Scrolling

...Pausing

...Undo

...Auto (foundation autoplay)

...Scoring

...Timer

...Stats

One of the best features of this software is the ability to review your statistics, take mental notes, then attempt to beat your previous stats.

Stats include the number of games played, games won, games lost, percent of games won, wins without undo, total time played and the average game time. Increasing the percentage of games won and the average game times are two of the stats card players strive most to increase. Beginning players might have a modest 10% win rate; but slowly, as the player becomes more adept and refines his moves, that number will increase by just hundredths of a percent. A great boost to the ego. Also, decreasing the average game time gives a great sense of accomplishment.

Rules of play are available for each individual game and can be accessed during game play. Games can be continued. Interruptions such as telephone calls or other reasons that might necessitate turning off your IPhone/IPod do not interfere with the game. When the game is clicked on again, the previous game in play resumes at the point of interruption.

Another great feature on this game is the ability to restart a game. For anyone obsessed with winning or someone regretting a particular move, this feature is tailor-made. The game can be reset with the same card set-up and a person has another shot at the same game using a different strategy.

This app recently won two major gaming awards: ITunes Best of 2008 : Top Free Games and 2008 Best App Ever Awards : Nominee, Best Free Game.

"Sol Free" on your hand-held device is a great piece of software for multitaskers. It can be played while waiting for any number of life's mundane tasks: waiting in line at the grocery store or bank, traffic lights (especially at railroad crossings), waiting rooms, and the like. Many find it necessary to be doing other things while watching television, so why not play games of solitaire on your IPhone while members of "The Unit" are battling it out with terrorists or contestants on "The Amazing Race" are fishing with cormorants.

Having completed over 5000 games of Klondike 3, I am a fan and would highly recommend this app (Sol Free) to anyone in search of solitaire software for their IPhone/Ipod Touch.

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