How do you play solitaire?

Solitaire usually means Klondike, and its core loop is quick to learn: uncover cards, order them on the tableau, and feed the foundations until the deck is done.

Quick answer: In the classic Klondike game, you deal seven tableau columns and build them down in alternating colors, while moving Aces up to four foundation piles and building each foundation up by suit to the King. Draw from the stock to find cards you need. Clear all 52 cards to the foundations to win.

Setting up the board

A game of Klondike starts with 28 cards dealt into seven columns, the first column holding one card and the last holding seven, with only the top card of each column face up. The remaining 24 cards form the stock, which you draw from. The four empty foundation piles sit above the tableau, waiting for Aces. If you want the setup with pictures, the rules hub walks through every step.

The moves you make

You build tableau columns downward in alternating colors, so a red six goes on a black seven. Move any face-up run as a group, and flip the newly exposed card underneath. Aces go straight to the foundations, and each foundation then builds up in suit: Ace, two, three, all the way to King. An empty column can only be filled by a King.

Winning the game

Draw cards from the stock when the tableau stalls, using them to bridge gaps and unbury the cards you need. The game is won when all four foundations are complete from Ace to King. If you get stuck, learning to win more consistently is mostly about working the stock and exposing hidden cards early rather than rushing to the foundations.

Play Klondike Solitaire

Related questions

What is the goal of solitaire?

In the most common games like Klondike and FreeCell, the goal is to move all 52 cards onto four foundation piles, each built up in suit from Ace to King. Other families win differently: Spider forms complete same-suit runs, while Pyramid and TriPeaks clear the board by matching cards away.

How do you win at solitaire?

Win more often by uncovering face-down cards as early as possible, playing from the column with the most hidden cards, and not rushing every card to the foundations too soon. Empty a column to park a King, and always plan the whole sequence before drawing fresh cards from the stock.

Which solitaire game is best for beginners?

Klondike Turn 1 is the classic starting point - simple rules and a high share of winnable deals. 1-suit Spider is even more forgiving. TriPeaks and Golf are fast, casual picks. Once comfortable, FreeCell teaches real planning, and Russian or Forty Thieves await when you want a challenge.