How to Play Solitaire (Klondike)
Klondike is the solitaire everyone grew up with. Here are the complete rules and the strategies that turn losing streaks into wins.
How the Game Is Set Up
Klondike uses a standard 52-card deck. Seven columns of cards are dealt face down — one card in the first column, two in the second, and so on up to seven. Only the top card of each column is turned face up. The remaining 24 cards form the stock, which you draw from one card at a time.
The Goal
Build four foundations in the top corner, one for each suit (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs). Each foundation starts with an Ace and builds up in order to the King: A, 2, 3 ... J, Q, K. You win when all 52 cards are on the foundations.
The Rules
- In the tableau (the seven columns), cards must stack in descending order (King on top of nothing, then Queen, then Jack...).
- Colors must alternate: red on black, black on red.
- You may move a whole face-up sequence from one column to another, as long as the top card fits the destination.
- An empty column can only be filled by a King (or a sequence starting with a King).
- Click the stock to flip cards into the waste pile, and use the waste card wherever it fits.
- Any card that can go onto a foundation can be moved there directly.
Winning Strategy
- Expose face-down cards first. Every move that turns a hidden card is worth more than tidying a sequence.
- Free the Aces and Twos early. Getting them onto foundations opens the tableau.
- Don't fill an empty column with just any King — save it for the King that unlocks the most cards.
- Think twice about drawing from the stock when a tableau move is still available.
- Use the Undo button in our game to explore risky moves safely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you win at solitaire?
You win by building all four foundations in the top corner, each starting with an Ace and going up in order to the King in the same suit.
What can go in an empty solitaire column?
Only a King, or a face-up sequence that starts with a King, can be moved into an empty tableau column.
What is the difference between Klondike and Spider solitaire?
Klondike uses 7 tableau columns, 4 foundations and alternating red/black stacking. Spider uses 10 columns, two full decks, and stacks are built in the same suit.
Can I play solitaire online for free?
Yes. PlayArcade solitaire is a free Klondike game in your browser — no download, with an undo button and unlimited games.