Klondike Solitaire

Move every card to the four foundations in ascending suit order, from Ace through King.

How to play

Move every card to the four foundations in ascending suit order, from Ace through King.

  • Deal the tableau into seven columns with only each top card face up.
  • Build tableau runs downward in alternating colors and turn newly exposed cards face up.
  • Move Aces and then higher cards of the same suit onto the four foundations.

Strategy tips

  • Prioritize moves that reveal face-down tableau cards.
  • Keep empty columns available until a useful King can move there.
  • Review the tableau before drawing from the stock.

Complete guide

Rules, scoring, and strategy

Klondike rewards preserving choices, not simply making every available move. This version includes Turn 1, Turn 3, deterministic numbered deals, and a daily deal shared by every player.

Setup and game flow

Seven tableau columns begin with only their top cards face up; the other 24 cards form the stock. Build tableau runs downward in alternating colors, place Kings in empty columns, and build each suit foundation from Ace through King.

Scoring and records

Each foundation card adds ten points, so a complete win reaches 520. Moves and elapsed time are tracked separately. This keeps a careful low-move solution distinct from a fast one and makes numbered-deal replays useful.

Common mistakes

Do not rush every low card to a foundation; it may still connect a tableau sequence. Avoid filling an empty column without revealing something useful. In Turn 3, inspect which waste card a move will expose on the next stock pass.

A stronger planning order

First compare moves that reveal face-down cards. Next seek a genuinely useful empty column. Only then draw from the stock. This order develops hidden information while preserving working space for later sequences.

Questions players ask

What changes between Turn 1 and Turn 3?

Turn 1 exposes one stock card at a time. Turn 3 exposes groups of three, making the order of stock passes more restrictive and usually harder.

Can every Klondike deal be won?

No. Some shuffles are impossible under a particular draw rule, and a solvable deal can also be lost after an early decision.

How do numbered deals work?

The same number and variant reproduce the same shuffle. Copy the deal link to share that exact challenge or replay it later.