What is the goal of solitaire?

Every solitaire game has a single clear objective, though the exact target changes with the family of game you're playing.

Quick answer: 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.

The foundation goal

Most classic games share one aim: get every card home to the foundations. In Klondike and FreeCell that means four piles, one per suit, each built from Ace up to King. When all 52 cards are stacked in order on those foundations, you've won. This build-up-by-suit target is the heart of the whole genre.

Other ways to win

Not every game uses foundations. Spider asks you to assemble eight complete King-to-Ace sequences in a single suit, which then clear themselves. Pyramid and TriPeaks are matching games: you remove cards to empty a board rather than stack them up. The unifying idea is order out of chaos.

Why the goal matters for strategy

Knowing the objective shapes how you play. Because foundation games reward getting low cards up early, you plan to unbury Aces and twos first. Curious how often that goal is even reachable? See what percentage of solitaire is winnable for the odds by variant.

Play Klondike Solitaire

Related questions

How do you play solitaire?

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.

How do the foundations work in solitaire?

The foundations are the four piles you build to win most solitaire games. Each holds one suit and is built upward in order: Ace first, then two, three, and so on up to King. When all four foundations are complete, all 52 cards are home and the game is won.

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.