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What is Klondike Solitaire?
When most people say “Solitaire,” they are referring to Klondike Solitaire. It is the most famous and widely played card game in the world. On this page, you can play standard Klondike Solitaire in both Turn 1 (Draw 1) and Turn 3 (Draw 3) modes.
Turn 1 is the most beginner-friendly and relaxing way to play, drawing only one card from the stockpile at a time. This gives you maximum flexibility and a much higher chance of winning compared to the harder Turn 3 variation, which draws three cards at a time and requires tighter strategy.
Pro Tip: Keyboard Shortcuts
Play faster and more comfortably like a pro using these quick hotkeys.
How to Play Solitaire (Klondike)
Solitaire (Klondike) is played with a standard 52-card deck. Your ultimate objective is to transfer all 52 cards onto the four foundation piles, organized by suit from Ace to King.
Understanding the Playing Area
Before you make your first move, familiarize yourself with the four main sections of the Solitaire board:
- 1. The Stock (Deck): Located in the top-left corner. This pile contains the remaining cards that were not dealt onto the tableau. Clicking it draws cards into play.
- 2. The Waste: Next to the stock. This is where your drawn cards face up. You can only play the top-most visible card.
- 3. The Foundations: The four empty slots at the top-right. These are your target piles where you must build ascending sequences (Ace, 2, 3, up to King) for each suit.
- 4. The Tableau: The main playing field consisting of seven columns. Column 1 has 1 card, Column 2 has 2, up to 7 cards in Column 7. Only the topmost card of each column is face-up.
Basic Tableau Rules
To uncover the face-down cards in the tableau, you must move face-up cards between columns:
- Valid Placements: You can place a card onto another card if the receiving card is one rank higher and of the opposite color (for example, a black 10 of Spades can be placed on a red Jack of Hearts).
- Moving Sequences: You can drag single cards or entire stacks of properly sequenced cards to other columns.
- Empty Columns: If a tableau column is cleared and becomes empty, only a King (or a stack starting with a King) can be moved into the blank space.
Building the Foundations
The foundation piles are where cards must go to win the game:
- Ace to King: Every foundation pile must begin with an Ace. Once an Ace is placed in a foundation slot, you can move the 2 of the same suit onto it, followed by the 3, and so on up to the King.
- Flipping Tableau Cards: Moving a card off a tableau column reveals the face-down card underneath. Click it to turn it face-up.
- Pulling Cards Down: You can pull cards back from the foundations to the tableau if it helps you unblock a crucial hidden card.
Klondike Turn 1 vs. Klondike Turn 3
Understanding the difference between the two standard draw modes is key to choosing your difficulty:
| Feature | Klondike Solitaire Turn 1 | Klondike Solitaire Turn 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Count | Draws 1 card at a time | Draws 3 cards at a time |
| Solvable Rate | ~80% of deals are solvable | ~80% of deals are solvable |
| Average Win Rate | ~30% - 50% for skilled players | ~10% - 15% for skilled players |
| Passes Through Stock | Unlimited passes | Unlimited passes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy / Relaxing | Medium / Strategic |
| Primary Strategy | Direct sequencing, high flexibility | Card tracking, planning 3 moves ahead |
Want to win more often?
Learn the secret strategies that top players use to beat Klondike Solitaire. From exposing hidden cards to smart stock management, we have you covered.
Learn Winning StrategiesWinning Strategies for Beginners
To win classic Solitaire games consistently, use these expert tips:
- Flip Face-Down Cards First: This is your highest priority. Focus on moves that uncover face-down cards to expand your playing options.
- Don’t Empty a Column Without a King: An empty column is useless unless you have a King ready to fill it. Keep the spot occupied until you have a King to park there.
- Play from the Tableau First: If you can choose between moving a card from the waste pile or the tableau, always move the card from the tableau. Uncovering hidden cards is critical.