Klondike Solitaire

How to play Klondike Solitaire

This is Klondike Solitaire, the version most people mean when they say “solitaire”: seven tableau columns, a stock to draw from, and four foundation piles that you build from ace to king by suit. The game runs in your browser, so you can play a full deal on a work computer, a tablet, or a phone without installing a Windows or Mac app.

Tableau piles build down in alternating colors. An empty column can only be filled with a king, or a king with a valid sequence under it. Foundations build up in suit. The usual strategy is to uncover face-down cards as quickly as you can, because hidden cards are what stall a deal. It is also wise not to empty a column until you have a king ready to place there.

Tap a card to select it, then tap a legal destination. Tap the stock to flip the next card. There is no download and no sign-in. Take your time — nothing here is timed — and start a new deal whenever you want a fresh layout.

Tips

• Prefer moves that turn a face-down card over moves that only tidy an already-visible pile.
• Do not empty a tableau column unless you can put a king in it right away.
• Think before sending a card to the foundation; you may still need that card as a stepping stone in the tableau.

Controls: mouse, touch. No download and no sign-in required.

FAQ

Is this the classic Klondike solitaire ruleset?

Yes. You build foundations from ace to king by suit, and tableau piles build down in alternating colors. Empty columns take kings.

Can I play solitaire online without downloading it?

Yes. This version runs entirely in the browser and does not require an app store install or an account.

Does it work with a mouse and on a touch screen?

Yes. Click or tap to select a card, then click or tap the place you want to move it.