How to Play Solitaire
Solitaire is the world's most popular single-player card game. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play classic Klondike solitaire, from the initial deal to your first win. Whether you have never touched a deck of cards or just need a quick refresher, you will be playing confidently in minutes.
Step 1: Setting Up the Game
Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck. The playing area consists of four key zones:
- Tableau -- Seven columns of cards. Column 1 has one card, column 2 has two, and so on up to seven. Only the top card of each column is face up.
- Foundation -- Four empty piles above the tableau. This is where you will build each suit from Ace to King.
- Stock Pile -- The remaining 24 cards placed face down. You draw from this pile when you run out of moves on the tableau.
- Waste Pile -- Cards drawn from the stock that cannot be immediately played are placed here face up.
Step 2: Playing the Game
Moving Cards on the Tableau
Cards on the tableau are arranged in descending order with alternating colors. For example, a black 6 can be placed on a red 7. You can move individual face-up cards or entire sequences of properly ordered cards from one column to another. When you reveal a face-down card by moving the card above it, flip it face up.
Building the Foundations
Whenever an Ace becomes available, move it to one of the four foundation piles. Continue building each foundation in ascending order by suit: Ace, 2, 3, and so on up to King. You can move cards to the foundation from the tableau or the waste pile.
Drawing from the Stock
When no more moves are available on the tableau, draw from the stock pile. In turn-one mode, flip one card at a time. In turn-three mode, flip three cards and only the top card is playable. If the stock runs out, flip the waste pile over to create a new stock.
Empty Columns
When a tableau column becomes empty, only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can be placed there. Empty columns are strategically valuable -- try to create them when you have Kings ready to move.
Step 3: Winning the Game
You win solitaire when all 52 cards have been moved to the four foundation piles, each built from Ace to King by suit. The game is lost if no more moves are possible and you cannot draw any playable cards from the stock. Do not get discouraged -- not every deal is winnable, and even expert players lose many games.
Tips for Beginners
Always play Aces and Twos immediately
There is never a reason to hold back an Ace or a Two. Move them to the foundations right away.
Prioritize revealing face-down cards
Focus on moves that flip hidden cards. The more cards you can see, the better your decisions.
Keep columns balanced
Avoid piling too many cards on a single column. Spread your moves across the tableau.
Plan before you move
Think two or three moves ahead. Ask yourself what each move will uncover or enable.
Use the undo button wisely
On Solitaire.us, you can undo moves. If a draw does not help, undo and try a different approach.
Do not rush Kings to empty columns
Only move a King into an empty column if doing so will uncover useful cards or create new sequences.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Forgetting to flip face-down cards
Always flip the card beneath when you move the top card away. This reveals new options.
Rushing Kings to empty columns
Only move a King if it will expose useful cards. Otherwise, keep the empty column free for later.
Playing mid-range cards to foundations too early
Save 5s through 9s for tableau sequences. Low cards (A, 2, 3) can go to the foundation immediately.
Ignoring the waste pile top card
Always check the waste pile for playable cards before drawing more from the stock.
Creating unsolvable color locks
Balance red and black cards. Try to keep equal numbers available to avoid dead ends.
Your Path to Solitaire Mastery
Beginner (Games 1-20)
Focus only on learning the rules. Win or lose, you are building muscle memory. Play turn-one mode (easier).
Novice (Games 21-50)
Start thinking 2-3 moves ahead. Prioritize revealing face-down cards. Your win rate should rise to 20%+.
Intermediate (Games 51-150)
Adopt the strategy tips from this guide. Win rate climbs to 30-40%. Consider switching to turn-three mode.
Advanced (Games 150+)
Master card counting and stock-pile sequencing. Your win rate reaches 50%+ in turn-one and 40%+ in turn-three.
Practice Makes Perfect
Use the game above to practice what you have learned. Our solitaire game includes undo, hints, and auto-complete features to help you learn the ropes without frustration. As you improve, challenge yourself with turn-three mode for a tougher test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continue Learning
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