How do you play Solitaire (Klondike)?
Klondike Solitaire deals 28 cards into seven columns, with the top card of each face up, and leaves 24 in the stock. Build the columns down in alternating colors, like a red 6 on a black 7, and move whole ordered runs between columns. Only a King can fill an empty column. Turn cards from the stock one at a time (Draw 1) or three at a time (Draw 3). Move every card to the four foundations, Ace to King by suit, to win.
Solitaire (Klondike) rules
- One 52-card deck: seven columns of 1 to 7 cards, with only the top card face up, and 24 cards in the stock.
- Build columns down by one rank in alternating colors.
- Move any face-up ordered run as a unit; only a King can start an empty column.
- Foundations build up by suit from Ace to King. A card can be taken back down from a foundation if it helps.
- Draw 1 or Draw 3 from the stock, with unlimited passes.
Tips and strategy
- Turn over face-down cards first: the columns with the most hidden cards matter most.
- Do not empty a column unless you have a King ready to move into it.
- Play cards to the foundations when it is safe, but keep low cards in the columns if you still need them to build on.
- In Draw 3, think about which card the next turn will expose before taking one from the waste.
A short history of Solitaire (Klondike)
Klondike is usually said to be named after the Klondike gold rush in Canada's Yukon in the late 1890s. It became the best-known patience game in the world when computers started shipping with it in the 1990s, which is why most people simply call it Solitaire.
Solitaire (Klondike) questions
What is the difference between Draw 1 and Draw 3 Solitaire?
In Draw 1 you turn one card from the stock at a time, so every card is reachable and more games are winnable. In Draw 3 you turn three and can only play the top one, which makes it much harder and is the traditional rule.
Can you drag and drop cards?
Yes. Drag any card or ordered run to a column or a foundation, or tap a card to send it to the best place. Undo takes back any move.
Is every Klondike game winnable?
No, but most are with perfect play: estimates put it near 80% for Draw 1. Undo lets you explore different lines.
Why is Klondike called Solitaire?
Solitaire (or patience) is the family name for single-player card games. Klondike became so popular on home computers that its name and the family name merged.
Is Solitaire free to play?
Yes. Solitaire on PuzzlePage is free in any browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with no download and no sign-up. Your streaks and best times are kept on your device. The page shows a few ads, which never cover the game, and the Player Club removes them.
Can I put Solitaire on my own website?
Yes. Sign up free with your email at puzzlepage.app/embed, click the link we send, and copy the embed code. The game runs inside your page, restyled to your colors, with a small PuzzlePage credit.
Put Solitaire (Klondike) on your website
Teachers, bloggers and activity coordinators can add Solitaire (Klondike) to their own page for free. Sign up with your email on the embed page, click the link we send you, and copy the code. It matches your site's colors and keeps a small PuzzlePage credit.
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Solitaire (Klondike) on PuzzlePage is an original implementation of a traditional game, with its own design. It is not affiliated with any operating system or software publisher.