January 1, 1970

Churchill is renowned for his leadership and oratory skills, however he was also a keen card player. Former US Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, has created a new app based on the game Churchill is claimed to have devised and played during World War II; a fiendishly complicated version of solitaire.

Described as the ‘most diabolical version of solitaire ever devised,’ this new game invites users to test their own problem-solving skills with two decks of cards, a set of ‘Devil’s Six’ cards that must be liberated and a challenging time limit in which to complete the mission.

Based around Churchill’s military and political career, the gamer is invited to climb the levels to become Prime Minister. The campaign begins with the user’s acceptance to Sandhurst as a Cadet in 1893. They then ascend through the levels, ranging from Lieutenant and Colonel to First Lord of the Admiralty, and finally Prime Minister.

Strategic thinking was of the utmost importance throughout Churchill’s career, and he placed enormous value on the skills of his code-breakers at Bletchley Park. Insisting on seeing the raw data, Churchill used these key insights to support his arguments for various attacks and strategies.

Rumsfeld claims that Churchill taught his highly complex version of solitaire to the Belgian diplomat, André de Staercke. It was subsequently taught to Rumsfeld, who played it many times throughout his career. This game demands intense concentration, a dedicated focus on forward-planning, and a reminder from the man himself that the aim is ‘Victory – victory at all costs’.

Churchill Solitaire was created by former US Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, in conjunction with Churchill Heritage Ltd. Proceeds will go to charity.

Download the app and read more about it.

Read more about the app’s development.