Solitaire
Solitaire (klondike) quick guide and game info
Klondike Solitaire (the original and most popular version of Solitaire) is the perfect single-player card game for quick breaks or relaxing evenings. Easy to learn but fun to master, it’s been a favorite for decades. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy our free online version.
game layout and setup
Game Layout: How Klondike Solitaire Is Set Up
When you start a new game, the cards are automatically dealt for you. Here’s what you’ll see:
7 Tableau piles across the main playing area. The first pile has 1 card face up, the second has 2 cards (top one face up), and so on, up to the seventh pile with 7 cards (top face up).
Stock pile in the upper left with the remaining 24 cards face down.
Waste pile right next to the stock, this is where cards you draw will go.
4 Foundation piles in the upper right. Empty at the start, waiting for the Aces.
Everything is ready in seconds. Just start playing!
how to play solitaire
The goal is straightforward: move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, building each suit from Ace to King.
Here’s how the moves work in the game:
Tableau piles: Build downward in alternating colors (red on black, black on red). You can move single cards or entire properly sequenced groups together.
Foundations: Start each suit with an Ace, then build upward in the same suit all the way to the King.
Stock & Waste: Draw cards from the stock to the waste pile (one at a time). The top card of the waste pile is always available to play.
Empty columns: Only a King (or a full sequence starting with a King) can be placed in an empty tableau spot.
Uncover the hidden cards in the tableau, make smart moves, and keep the game flowing. Our online version makes dragging cards smooth and intuitive on both desktop and mobile.
how to win at solitaire
You win by successfully moving every card to the four foundation piles, one complete suit (Ace through King) in each. When the board is clear and all foundations are complete, you’ve won!
Not every deal is winnable, but with practice you’ll get better at spotting the best moves early. Focus on freeing up face-down cards and keeping your options open.
a little bit of solitaire history
Solitaire games (also known as Patience) date back to the 18th century in Europe. The Klondike version became popular in the early 1900s — the name likely comes from the Klondike Gold Rush, where miners played to pass long, lonely nights.
It exploded in popularity in 1990 when Microsoft added it to Windows, helping millions of people learn how to use a mouse while getting hooked on the gameplay. Today, free online Klondike Solitaire keeps the classic fun alive with instant access anytime.
Ready to play? Start a new game above and see how many you can win in a row! Perfect for all ages and skill levels
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