Klondike Solitaire

Solitaire, also known as Klondike Solitaire, is a standard 52-card game for one player. The goal is to arrange all the cards in four target piles (one for each suit) from Ace (A) to King (K).The rules are easy, but to win a game, you have to be observant of the columns and think ahead.

Playing Klondike Solitaire game

When you first set out the playing field, there will be seven columns of 28 cards. The first column has one card, the second has two cards, and so on. Only the top card of each column is face-up; the rest remain face-down.

The other cards are just a draw pile (stock) you draw from for more cards if you are looking for a specific card. On top of the field of play are four target slots (foundations) where you need to build up each suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades) sequentially.

Table-laying Rules of Cards

When moving cards from one column to the 7 columns, there are two rules, which are that red and black cards must be descending.

For example, you would place an 8 of Hearts on a 9 of Spades or 9 of Clubs. Similarly, a 6 of Spades can only be placed onto a 7 of Hearts or a 7 of Diamonds.

If there is a column of facing-up cards that follow the rules, you can move that entire mountain over to a new column, so long as the first card of the mountain will fall in the new space.

When a column becomes completely empty, only a King—or a sequence of cards starting with a King—can be moved into that space.

When Target, Filling the 4 Piles

Each of the target piles has a suit. You must place the Aces first, followed by the 2, 3, 4, and so on, up to the King, for each suit.

For example, if you have the Ace of Diamonds and you are putting it on its target pile, watch out for the 2 of Diamonds along the way. Cards of a different suit cannot be placed in the same target pile, even if they are in numerical order.

How to Play Klondike Solitaire

Face to face the cards

Match/move the cards to the 7 columns in this table. Prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards, as this creates more options for subsequent turns.

Slide cards correct and in order

Drag cards to legal positions with your mouse. Remember that cards in the columns on the table must be arranged in descending order, alternating between red and black suits.

Use the stock pile

When no moves are available on the table, draw cards from the stock pile. Depending on the version of the game, you may draw either one or three cards at a time.

Build the target piles

Locate the Aces to begin building the four target piles. Continue adding cards in ascending order, ensuring they match the suit of the pile.

Complete the game

Keep organizing the cards, revealing face-down cards, and utilizing the stock pile. Once all cards are in the four target piles, you win.

Tips for Klondike Solitaire Beginners

• Prioritize revealing face-down cards: The more cards you uncover, the more options you have to clear blocked columns.
• Don’t rush to use the stock pile: Always check for available moves on the table first.
• Careful moving cards to the target piles; you may need some cards as part of sequences for the columns on the table. Before you know it, you will be paying for good moves by moving cards up to the foundation piles.
• Create empty columns when you have a King: An empty column is a valuable space for moving a King along with any sequences of cards attached to it.
• Evaluate multiple options: If you have two cards of the same rank but different suits, consider which choice will help you reveal more face-down cards.

To summarize

If you enjoy simple card games with a bit of strategy, Klondike Solitaire is a great choice. You have to arrange all 52 cards in order in each game. Play Klondike Solitaire now and put your skills to the test with this classic card game!