What Is Klondike Solitaire?
Klondike Solitaire is the card game most people simply call "Solitaire." It's the version that came pre-installed on Windows computers for decades, introducing millions of players to the game. Despite its popularity, many players never fully understand all the rules — which can hurt their win rate significantly.
This guide walks you through every rule, every move type, and every important decision you'll face in a standard game of Klondike.
The Objective
Your goal is to move all 52 cards into four Foundation piles — one per suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades) — built in ascending order from Ace to King. When all four foundations are complete, you've won.
The Layout: Understanding the Tableau
A Klondike game begins with the following layout:
- The Tableau: Seven columns of cards. Column 1 has 1 card, column 2 has 2 cards, column 3 has 3, and so on up to column 7 with 7 cards. Only the top card of each column is face-up.
- The Stock (Draw Pile): The remaining 24 cards, placed face-down in the upper-left corner.
- The Waste Pile: Cards drawn from the stock that aren't yet playable sit here, face-up.
- The Foundations: Four empty spaces in the upper-right where you'll build your winning piles.
How to Make Moves
Moving Cards in the Tableau
Cards in the tableau are stacked in descending order and alternating colors. A red 7 can go on a black 8, a black 6 can go on a red 7, and so on. You may move a sequence of face-up cards together as a single unit.
Moving Cards to the Foundation
Each foundation starts with an Ace and is built up by suit. Once an Ace is available, place it on an empty foundation. Then add the 2 of the same suit, then the 3, and so on up to the King.
Using the Stock
When you have no moves available (or choose to draw), click the stock to draw cards. In Draw 1 mode, one card is flipped at a time. In Draw 3 mode, three cards are flipped, but only the top card is playable.
Filling Empty Columns
When a tableau column is emptied, only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can be placed there. This is a crucial strategic resource — don't waste empty columns carelessly.
Draw 1 vs. Draw 3: Which Should You Play?
| Mode | Difficulty | Win Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw 1 | Easier | Higher | Beginners & casual play |
| Draw 3 | Harder | Lower | Challenge seekers & experienced players |
Draw 1 gives you access to every card in the stock on each pass. Draw 3 requires more planning because many cards will be buried under others you can't yet play.
Key Rules Beginners Often Miss
- You can move cards back from the foundation to the tableau if needed — though this is rarely a good idea.
- In Draw 3, you typically get unlimited passes through the stock, but some versions limit redeals.
- A face-down card is flipped automatically once the face-up cards on top of it are moved away.
- Not every game is winnable — roughly one in five Klondike deals cannot be solved even with perfect play.
Quick Tips to Win More Often
- Always prioritize moves that flip face-down cards — more information means more options.
- Don't rush cards to the foundation early; keep lower cards in the tableau for sequencing.
- Think carefully before placing a King in an empty column — make sure it's the most useful King.
- Try to expose and free Aces and 2s as early as possible.
Klondike Solitaire rewards patient, methodical thinking. Once you understand the structure and rules thoroughly, you'll find your win rate improving naturally with every game you play.