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Solitaire

A classic Klondike card game for a quiet, thoughtful round.

Solitaire rules, tactics & how to play

Learn the rules of Klondike Solitaire and the method that wins the most deals, then play the board above.

Rules & how to play

The goal

Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, each built up by suit from Ace to King.

The tableau

  • Seven columns hold the main layout. You build down in alternating colours, for example a black 9 on a red 10.
  • Only a King can move into an empty column.
  • Turn cards from the stock to find moves when the tableau is stuck.
  • Move an Ace to a foundation as soon as it is free, then build each suit upward.
How to win more often

Turn up hidden cards first

Every move that reveals a face-down card is progress. Prefer plays that uncover the tableau over shuffling cards between visible columns.

Do not empty a column without a King

An empty column is only useful if you have a King ready to fill it. Clearing one with no King to place wastes the space.

Hold back on the foundations

Sending a card up too early can leave you unable to place an opposite-colour card later. Keep low cards in play when they still help the tableau.

Work the stock methodically

Cycle the stock and remember what is waiting in it so you know which plays open up on the next pass.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Klondike Solitaire?

Build the seven tableau columns downward in alternating colours, move Aces up to the foundations as they appear, and build each suit up from Ace to King. Draw from the stock when you are stuck. You win when all 52 cards reach the foundations.

Is every Solitaire game winnable?

No. Many Klondike deals cannot be solved no matter how well you play, though a large share are winnable with careful play. Turning up hidden cards early and planning your foundation moves improve your win rate.

What is the best Solitaire strategy?

Prioritise moves that reveal face-down cards, only empty a column when you have a King to fill it, avoid rushing cards to the foundations if they still help in the tableau, and work through the stock methodically so you know what is coming.

Can only a King go in an empty column?

Yes. In standard Klondike Solitaire only a King, or a valid sequence starting with a King, may be moved into an empty tableau column. That is why empty columns are valuable only when you have a King ready.