How to Play Klondike Solitaire
Klondike Solitaire is the classic card game that has been a staple on personal computers since 1990. The goal is simple: move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, sorted by suit from Ace to King.
📋 Rules
Setup
Seven tableau columns are dealt left to right, with increasing numbers of cards (1–7). Only the top card of each column is face-up. The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.
Moving Cards
Cards on the tableau are built down in alternating colors (e.g., a red 6 on a black 7). You can move a face-up card or a properly ordered sequence of cards between columns.
Stock & Waste
Click the stock pile to flip cards to the waste pile. The top waste card is always available to play onto the tableau or foundations.
Foundations
Build each foundation pile up in suit from Ace to King. Once all 52 cards are on the foundations, you win!
Empty Columns
Only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) may be placed on an empty tableau column.
🧠 Strategy Tips
- Always play an Ace or Deuce to the foundation immediately — there's never a reason to hold them.
- Prioritize revealing face-down cards. Choose moves that flip over hidden cards in the tableau.
- Don't empty a column unless you have a King ready to fill it.
- Keep the stock pile flowing — cycle through it multiple times if needed.
- Build evenly across foundation piles when possible; don't rush one suit ahead of others.
- Think multiple moves ahead. Sometimes the obvious move isn't the best one.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is every game of Solitaire winnable?
No. Roughly 80% of Klondike Solitaire games are theoretically winnable, but even experienced players win about 30-40% of their games.
What's the difference between Draw 1 and Draw 3?
In Draw 1, you flip one card at a time from the stock. Draw 3 flips three cards, making only the top one playable. Draw 3 is significantly harder.
Does the order of moves matter?
Absolutely. Two players with the same deal can get very different results based on their move choices. Strategy plays a huge role.