Credits

This game is made by TechDweeb, you can watch the tutorial here and download a printable version of the rules on his patreon for free.

How to play SOLATRO

Everyone loves that popular addictive computer card game, and EVERYONE loves solitaire (obviously), so here’s a cheeky way to play a SOLO version of that addictive computer card game with just a regular deck of cards, all by yourself on a Friday night!

Goal

Survive as many rounds as possible by reaching the score target for each round. Targets go up each round, and you use poker hands to earn points toward that target.

BGG

You can find this game on boardgamegeek!


Setup

  • Use a standard 54-card deck (including 2 Jokers).
  • Shuffle the deck.
  • Keep a score sheet to track: round number, bonus points (carryover points from past rounds), and owned tokens (see Bonus Shop).

Round Structure

  • Round 1 Target: 25 points
  • Each new round: target increases by +25 points (Round 2 = 50, Round 3 = 75, etc.).
  • Start the round by drawing 8 cards into your hand.
  • You get 3 plays per round.
  • You also get 3 discard chances per round, and may discard 1-5 cards each time.
  • After a play or discard, draw back to your hand limit.
  • Play bonus items you’ve collected during the round.
  • After the round is done, shuffle hand cards and discards back into the deck.

Playing Cards

  • On each play, choose up to 5 cards to make a poker hand and record your score (see Hand Scores chart)
  • Cards played are set aside until the next round.
  • After 3 plays, total your scores.
  • If you meet or beat the round target, you advance. If not, and you have no shield token, you DIE!

Hand Scores

Hand TypePoints
High Card5
Pair10
Two Pair20
Three of a Kind30
Straight40
Flush50
Full House60
Four of a Kind100
Straight Flush125
Royal Flush150

Jokers

  • Jokers are wildcards.
  • If drawn, bank it for later and draw a replacement.
  • A banked Joker can be added to any future play as a wildcard. When used, it is discarded.
  • If you have a banked joker and another shows up, you lose BOTH! Joke’s on you DWEEB!

Bonus Points

  • After the round any EXCESS points (beyond the round target) can be spent at the bonus shoppe.
  • You can only own 1 of each bonus at a time.
  • You keep your bonus items, but points don’t last between rounds.

Bonus Shop

TokenCostEffect
Extra Card10+1 card in your hand this round
Extra Discard25+1 discard opportunity for this round
Pocket Points50Add 25 points to your score this round.
Extra Hand75Play one extra hand this round
Double Score100Double the points from your next play
Shield150Ignore one failed round (advance anyway)

Bonus abilities can be used at any time during a round.


Losing

  • The game ends when you fail to meet the round’s target and have no Shield token.
  • Your score is the last round number you reached.

Metagame

Think you’re good, DO YA? Try to hit these milestones!

RankRounds Survived
Cat Food3
Little Dweeb5
Official Dweeb7
Ultra Mega Uber Giga-Dweeb10+