Klondike Solitaire Rules & Strategy
Objective
The goal of Klondike Solitaire is to move all cards to the four foundation piles, building each suit from Ace to King.
Setup
Klondike uses a standard 52-card deck. Cards are dealt into 7 tableau columns: the first column has 1 card, the second has 2 cards, and so on. Only the top card in each column is face-up.
How to Play
- Tableau: Build down in alternating colors (red on black, black on red)
- Foundations: Build up by suit from Ace to King
- Stock: Remaining cards form the stock pile
- Waste: Cards drawn from stock go to waste pile
Movement Rules
- Only face-up cards can be moved
- Sequences can be moved if in correct order
- Empty tableau spaces can only hold Kings
- Cards from waste can be played to tableau or foundations
Winning Strategy
- Uncover Cards: Prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards
- Empty Columns: Use empty spaces for Kings only
- Build Foundations: Move Aces and low cards up when possible
- Stock Management: Don't rush through the stock pile
- Color Alternation: Plan moves maintaining color alternation
History
Klondike Solitaire is the most famous solitaire variant, popularized by Microsoft Windows. It's named after the Klondike region of Canada, where the Klondike Gold Rush occurred in the late 19th century.