Solitaire (Klondike): practical guide
Learn the game clearly: rules, step‑by‑step examples and strategy to avoid mistakes.
60‑second summary:
Updated: 2025-11-12 • 6–12 min read
- Goal: build up foundations from Ace to King by suit.
- Layout: tableau columns, stock (draw pile) and waste.
- Move descending alternating colors in the tableau; empty spots take Kings.
- Flip from stock to waste; move to foundations when possible.
Beginner — what you need
Objective Move all cards to the foundations by suit A→K.
Layout Foundations, tableau (7 columns), stock and waste.
Intermediate — core moves
- Build tableau piles in descending alternating colors.
- Only a King may be moved to an empty tableau column.
- Expose facedown cards in the tableau whenever possible.
Strategy & tips
- Prioritise flips that reveal hidden cards.
- Don’t rush cards to foundations if they block tableau moves.
- Think ahead: consider how draws from stock will affect options.
Rules — quick reference
- Foundations build A→K by suit.
- Draw from stock to waste; some variations allow one or three‑card draws.
- Tableau builds K→A in alternating colors.
Common mistakes
- Filling an empty column with a non‑King.
- Moving cards to foundations too early.
- Not revealing hidden tableau cards on every opportunity.
Glossary
Foundation: the four suit piles (A→K).
Tableau: the seven working columns.
Stock / Waste: draw pile and discard pile.
FAQ
Only a King (or a sequence starting with a King).
Not always. Keep options in the tableau when needed.