Solitaire by Mouse Games is free to download from the app stores, providing users with a classic card game experience at no initial cost. The game is designed to be accessible for all players without needing to pay upfront; however, it does contain in-app purchases and advertisements that players can choose to engage with if desired.

The optional in-app purchases may include special card themes, additional hints, or other customization features that enhance the gameplay experience. Advertisements are typically displayed between games or rounds, offering players a chance to support the developers without spending money. The game is structured so that these purchases and ads are not intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the core solitaire gameplay at no cost.

Installation on iOS Devices: To install Solitaire by Mouse Games on an iOS device, ensure your device is running on iOS 9.0 or later. Open the App Store app on your device and type "Solitaire by Mouse Games" in the search bar. Locate the game in the search results, and tap the "Get" button. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Face/Touch ID to confirm the download. Once installed, open the app, and it will request permissions for notifications. You can choose whether to enable notifications at this stage.

Installation on Android Devices: For Android devices, make sure your device is operating on Android 4.1 or later. Head over to the Google Play Store and search for "Solitaire by Mouse Games." Once you find the correct app in the search results, tap "Install" to begin downloading. During installation, the game may prompt you to allow certain permissions, like network access or push notifications—approve these to ensure full functionality. After installation, open the game, and it maintains a seamless setup, allowing you to immediately start a game of solitaire.

Step 1: After launching Solitaire by Mouse Games, the game introduces you to a brief tutorial on how to interact with the game interface. Follow the on-screen instructions to understand the layout and controls.

Step 2: Once the tutorial concludes, you'll be directed to the main menu. Here, you can choose from different game modes. Tap on the 'Classic Solitaire' option to begin a standard game.

Step 3: At the beginning of the game, cards are dealt into columns and a deck. The objective is to build foundations starting with the ace and ascending to the king for each suit. Tap or drag cards to move them between columns or onto foundations.

Step 4: Make strategic moves by revealing face-down cards and looking for opportunities to clear out entire columns. If you're stuck, you can draw three cards from the deck, located at the upper-left corner of the screen, to enter into play.

Step 5: Continue arranging cards in descending order and alternating colors to free up cards from the pile. Use the hint feature sparingly if you're unsure about your next move. With practice, you'll develop strategies that assist in completing rounds efficiently.

Tip 1: Focus on revealing face-down cards as quickly as possible. This will give you more options on the tableau and increase your chances of pulling off strategic moves. When faced with two options, always prioritize uncovering the largest pile of face-down cards.

Tip 2: Utilize the 'three-card draw' feature wisely. If you're unable to make any moves from the columns or foundations, look to see if drawing from the deck will open up new card placements. Avoid reshuffling unless absolutely necessary; understanding your draw order can be an advantage.

Tip 3: Conserve the hint feature for emergencies. Over-reliance can make the game less engaging, and you might miss opportunities to develop your strategic skills. As you become more familiar with patterns and order, rely on your intuition and observations to lead gameplay.