How to play Klondike Solitaire

The goal

Build the four foundations by suit, from Ace to King.

Setting up

• Deal 7 columns: 1 card in the first, 2 in the second, up to 7 in the last. Only the top card of each column is face up.
• The 24 remaining cards form the stock, face down.
• Above, four empty foundations wait for the Aces.

A turn, step by step

1. 1

   Check the board. Look for moves between columns before touching the stock.

2. 2

   Build down, alternate colours. Place a card on one rank higher of the opposite colour: a black 8 on a red 9. Sequences can move together.

3. 3

   Flip what you uncover. When a face-down card is uncovered, turn it face up.

4. 4

   Draw from the stock. Turn 1 card (easier) or 3 cards (classic) onto the waste. Its top card can be played.

5. 5

   Fill empty columns with Kings. Only a King, or a sequence starting with a King, can go into an empty column.

Beginner mistakes

✗ Drawing first

The stock comes back around; the hidden cards in the columns don't. Play the board first.

✗ Ignoring the big piles

Columns with many face-down cards hold the cards you need. Dig into them first.

✗ Emptying a column for nothing

An empty column only takes a King. Empty it when you have a King ready to move in.

✗ Rushing cards home

A card on its foundation can't hold anything anymore. Keep low cards in play if a column still needs them.

Three real situations. Pick a move, then read why it works.

Frequently asked questions