Back to Game

How to Play Klondike Solitaire

Klondike solitaire is the classic one-player card game. The goal is simple: move all 52 cards to four foundation piles, one for each suit, building from Ace up to King.

Setting Up the Board

The game uses a standard 52-card deck. Seven columns of cards are dealt across the tableau. The first column has one card, the second has two, and so on up to seven. Only the top card in each column is face-up. The remaining cards go into the stock pile.

How to Move Cards

On the tableau, stack cards in descending order with alternating colors. A black 6 goes on a red 7, a red Queen on a black King. You can move groups of properly sequenced cards together. Only Kings can fill empty tableau columns.

Using the Stock and Waste

Tap the stock pile to draw cards. In Draw 1, one card flips at a time. In Draw 3, three cards flip but only the top one is playable. Move waste cards to the tableau or directly to foundations.

Building Foundations

Foundations start with an Ace and build up by suit to King. Move an Ace to a foundation as soon as you can. Once all four foundations are complete (Ace through King), you win.

Winning the Game

You win when all 52 cards are on the foundations. Not every deal is winnable — roughly 80% of Klondike deals have a solution with perfect play. Use undo and hints to find the best moves.