Back in the 90's, I got my first computer. I was not alone in this regard; at the time, Windows-based computers exploded in popularity thanks to the Internet. These machines were hardly inexpensive, often costing several thousand dollars. This was at a time when a thousand dollars was much more valuable than today.

The funny thing is, beyond using AOL to talk to strangers, we home users did not know what the heck to do with these expensive machines. Before you bought it, you would envision all of the magical things you will do, but ultimately, it was often used for one thing -- solitaire. Yes, many consumers justified their purchases by playing Microsoft Solitaire for hours on end. Hell, even in the corporate world, employees would play the game instead of getting work done; it was gloriously unproductive. Today, the game turns 25.

"It was 25 years ago that Microsoft Solitaire debuted on Windows, and to honor the decades of fun it’s given us all, we’re celebrating with two big competitions. First, an internal competition among Microsoft employees kicks off today to determine who leads the leaderboards here. Then, in early June, the same challenges used in the tournament will be released in the game for the world to play", says The Windows Team.

The team also shares, "from Klondike to FreeCell to Spider, TriPeaks and Pyramid game modes, you’ll be challenged to bring your best to defeat our best. Are you up to the challenge? Get your Solitaire game on today".

While a tournament sounds fun, I know I would do terribly. I probably played the game thousands of times (literally), however I don't think I won more than a few. Quite frankly, I found the game quite frustrating and annoying; I played it because it was there.

Luckily Windows users nowadays have a plethora of better free games available, not to mention the upcoming Candy Crush Saga -- whether they want it or not!

What is your favorite Microsoft Solitaire memory? Tell me in the comments.

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