Patent ID: 8152643

Claim:
A method for playing a computer-based Klondike-style solitaire game in a tournament framework comprising, selecting a tournament event having predetermined entry criteria and game features from a game menu, wherein said entry criteria comprises a tournament start time, retrieving input over the internet regarding said tournament event including data to generate a random card sequence and instructions to enable said game features associated with said selected tournament event from a server to a personal computer after said tournament start time and before a tournament ending event, wherein said game features comprise game rules and game patterns to extend play, and graphic elements, playing and scoring solitaire games according to said input by moving cards from play stacks to a column or an ace stack or between said columns in said personal computer and said score is based in part on the speed that a player successfully makes a move, transmitting scores from said personal computer over the internet to a server after said game is complete and before said tournament ending event occurs, comparing said score to the scores of other players that are entered into said tournament event, and, in the event that said transmitted score is determined to be a winning score, transmitting information comprising the game play sequence, and displaying said scores on a website that can be accessed by said players, and wherein said personal computer only receives input from said internet server before and after said solitaire game.