Define the Solitaire Session Types
Before wiring anything, document the three sessions you run every week. Most pros juggle analysis blocks, timed ladder matches, and coaching reviews. Tag them in Calendar and give each a custom Focus Mode profile so your devices know exactly which notifications to silence.
Deep Analysis
Slow review of tournament logs, usually 60-90 minutes. Requires Numbers, Freeform, and Safari.
Speed Ladder
Ranked sprees with strict time controls. Needs low latency, bright task lighting, and fast Apple Pencil notes.
Coach Sync
Hybrid sessions with a remote coach on FaceTime. Balanced lighting, screen sharing, and AirPods clarity.
Craft Apple Focus Mode Automations
Focus Modes are the brains of your workspace. Assign each session to a dedicated Focus with its own screens, app filters, and HomeKit scenes. Automate the transitions so your environment shifts without manual clicks.
Focus 1: Analyst Deck
Triggered by Calendar events labeled "Analysis". HomeKit dims Nanoleaf panels to 30% cool white, Music pauses, and Mac desktop switches to a Freeform board background. Only Messages from coaching staff bypass the filter.
Focus 2: Speed Run
Activates when you launch your preferred solitaire app. Shortcuts sets display scaling to More Space on Studio Display, enables Low Power Mode on MacBook to reduce heat, and starts an upbeat Apple Music playlist at 60% volume.
Focus 3: Coach Room
Kicks in five minutes before scheduled FaceTime calls. Studio Display brightens to neutral white, AirPods Pro switch to Voice Isolation, and a shared notes doc opens on iPad for live annotation.
Ergonomic Layout Anchors
Apple hardware looks minimalist but you still need to dial in positioning. The goal is to protect your neck, wrists, and eyesight during marathon climbs.
Display and Input Geometry
- - Keep eye line level with the top third of your Studio Display.
- - Set Magic Keyboard tilt to 4 degrees; higher angles increase wrist compression.
- - Stagger iPad at 35 degrees on a Twelve South stand for quick pencil sketches.
Lighting and Airflow
- - Use HomePod mini to monitor room temperature; aim for 22°C to stabilise hand dexterity.
- - Layer a key light behind the display to soften contrast on digital cards.
- - Automate blinds with Eve MotionBlinds and sync them to sunrise for consistent circadian cues.
Workflow Automation Recipes
Shortcuts ties the entire workspace together. Build workflows that launch the right apps, prepare your documents, and save decision logs without breaking your focus.
Shortcut: Open the Tableau
Opens your solitaire app, starts a 25-minute Focus timer on Apple Watch, loads a Numbers template, and turns on the desk light scene. Ideal for solo grind sessions.
Shortcut: Coach Debrief
Captures the last screen recording, uploads it to a shared iCloud folder, and sends a quick summary prompt to your coach in Messages with key stats.
Shortcut: Reset Desk
Closes open apps, toggles HomeKit to ambient night lighting, logs the session length to Numbers, and syncs hydration notes from Apple Health.
Maintenance Cadence
Set a recurring review so the workspace evolves with your goals. Think of it as the post-match analysis for your environment.
- Monthly: Audit Focus mode contact exceptions and delete any that no longer need access.
- Quarterly: Replace desk mat, recalibrate chair lumbar support, and deep clean keyboard switches.
- Seasonally: Update HomeKit automations for changing sunlight patterns and travel schedules.