Klondike vs. Canfield Solitaire: Key Differences Explained

Quick Answer: Klondike and Canfield both use alternating-color cascades and suit-based foundations, but differ in three key ways: Canfield starts with 13 reserve cards (only the top is accessible), deals 4 tableau columns (not 7), and starts all foundations at a randomly-determined rank (not Aces). Canfield is significantly harder, with a win rate of about 3–6% vs. Klondike's 15–25%.

Klondike and Canfield are both classics of the patience card game canon. They look superficially similar and use the same card movement rules, but their structural differences create completely different playing experiences. This comparison covers every meaningful difference between the two games.

Origins

Klondike takes its name from the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896–1899 and became the default "solitaire" game in the English-speaking world. It's the game Windows pre-installed from 1990 onward.

Canfield is named after Richard Canfield, an American gambler of the late 19th century who reportedly ran a casino game in which players paid $52 for a deck of cards and received $5 for every card they played to the foundation. Given the low win rate, the house always profited. In Britain, Canfield is sometimes called "Demon."

Layout Comparison

| Feature | Klondike | Canfield | |---------|---------|---------| | Tableau columns | 7 | 4 | | Initial tableau cards | 28 (7+6+5+4+3+2+1) | 4 (1 per column, face-up) | | Reserve pile | None | 13 cards (top card accessible) | | Foundation start | All four Aces | Determined by first reserve card | | Stock deal | 1 or 3 at a time | 3 at a time (standard) |

Klondike layout: 7 columns (column 1 has 1 card face-up, column 2 has 2 cards with 1 face-up, etc.). 24 remaining cards in the stock.

Canfield layout: 13-card reserve pile (face-down except top card). 4 tableau columns with 1 face-up card each. The first foundation is started with a specific card (the dealt start card), and all four foundations must start at the same rank as that card. 35 remaining cards in the stock.

The Foundation Difference

This is the most conceptually significant difference between the two games.

Klondike: All four foundations always start with Aces. Kings are always the final card. This is predictable and allows players to build consistent strategy around chasing Aces.

Canfield: The foundation start rank is determined at the beginning by the rank of the first card dealt (this varies by implementation — sometimes the bottom card of the reserve, sometimes a separately dealt card). If the start card is a 7, all foundations begin at 7 and build 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (wrapping around). This means foundations build in a "circuit" that wraps Ace between King and 2.

Strategic implication: In Canfield, you can never simply "chase Aces" because Aces may not be foundational starting cards. You must track the specific start rank and build circuits accordingly.

Tableau Movement Rules

Both games share the same tableau movement rule: cards build in descending rank with alternating colors. A red 8 goes on a black 9; a black 8 on a red 9. Sequences of properly ordered cards can be moved together.

One important Canfield difference: In standard Canfield, cards from the reserve pile can be played to foundations or to the tableau, but only the top reserve card is available at any time.

Difficulty Comparison

Klondike win rate: Approximately 15–25% for skilled players using Turn-1. About 8–15% with Turn-3.

Canfield win rate: Approximately 3–6%. This notoriously low win rate is why Richard Canfield could offer cash prizes for foundation plays — the expected payout per game was far less than the $52 entry.

Why Canfield is harder:

1. Fewer tableau columns (4 vs. 7) = less room to maneuver
2. Reserve pile adds a secondary information source you must manage carefully
3. Foundation circuit rule (wrapping) adds cognitive load
4. Stock deals 3 at a time in standard rules (same as Turn-3 Klondike, harder access)
5. Empty columns in Canfield can receive any card (not just Kings), which is more flexible — but the 4-column constraint makes this less useful than it sounds

Strategic Differences

Klondike strategy focus:

• Uncover face-down tableau cards as quickly as possible
• Manage empty columns for King-placement
• Time stock use carefully

Canfield strategy focus:

• Access the reserve pile efficiently (the entire 13-card reserve must be deployed)
• Track the foundation circuit to know what rank each foundation needs next
• Manage the 4 tight tableau columns without creating irresolvable blockages
• The reserve pile creates a parallel supply that must be integrated with stock and tableau

Which Should You Play?

Play Klondike if:

• You want the classic solitaire experience
• You prefer a manageable challenge with a reasonable win rate
• You're new to patience games

Play Canfield if:

• You want a significantly harder challenge
• You find Klondike too easy or predictable
• You're interested in the historical gambling game format

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canfield solitaire the same as Demon solitaire?

Yes. Canfield (American name) and Demon (British name) refer to the same game. Both share the 13-card reserve, 4 tableau columns, and foundation-circuit mechanic. Minor rule variations exist in different implementations, but the core game is identical.

Why is Canfield solitaire so much harder than Klondike?

Three main factors: fewer tableau columns (4 vs. 7) reduce maneuvering room, the 13-card reserve creates a secondary pile you must systematically work through, and the wrapping foundation circuit requires more complex tracking than Klondike's straightforward Ace-to-King build.

Can you win Canfield solitaire regularly?

With very good play, win rates of 5–8% are achievable. Winning Canfield "regularly" means winning roughly 1 in 15–20 games. It's one of the hardest popular patience games. If you're winning more than 10% of Canfield games, you're an exceptionally strong player.

Which solitaire is better for beginners, Klondike or Canfield?

Klondike by a significant margin. Klondike's 7-column layout, Ace-start foundations, and familiar structure make it far more accessible. Canfield's difficulty, wrapping foundations, and tight tableau make it frustrating for beginners. Learn Klondike first, master it, then try Canfield as an advanced challenge.

For more variant comparisons, see Klondike vs. FreeCell and Klondike vs. Spider solitaire.