About Klondike Solitaire

Klondike Solitaire is the most popular version of the classic card game Solitaire. Also known simply as "Solitaire," it became widely known through Microsoft Windows and has entertained millions of players worldwide for decades.

How to Play Solitaire

The objective is to move all cards to four foundation piles, building each suit from Ace to King.

Stock Pile: Click to draw 1 or 3 cards to the waste pile
Waste Pile: Top card is available for play
Tableau: Build down in alternating colors (red on black, black on red)
Foundations: Build up by suit from Ace to King
Moving Cards: Only face-up cards can be moved; reveal face-down cards

Game Rules

Empty Columns: Only Kings can be placed on empty tableau columns
Tableau Order: Cards in tableau must be placed in descending order with alternating colors
Foundation Start: Only Aces can start foundation piles
Foundation Building: Foundation piles must be built up in suit from Ace to King
Sequence Moving: You can move sequences of properly ordered cards together
Auto-Move: Double-click cards to auto-move to foundations when possible

Winning Strategies & Tips

Beginner Strategies:

Expose Hidden Cards: Always prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards in the tableau. These are the key to unlocking the game.
Empty Columns: Don't clear a spot unless you have a King to put in it. An empty column is useless without a King.
Color Management: Try to keep your tableau balanced with red and black kings. This gives you more options for moving cards later.

Advanced Tactics:

Delay Foundation Moves: Don't automatically move cards to the foundation piles. Sometimes you need those cards in the tableau to maneuver other cards.
Check the Stockpile: If you have a choice between a move in the tableau and drawing from the stockpile, usually the tableau move is better. However, checking the first card of the stockpile can give you critical information.
Undo is Your Friend: Our game features unlimited undo. Use it to explore different paths and see which one leads to victory.

Why Play Solitaire on FreeCasual?

No Ads: Enjoy a completely distraction-free experience. No pop-ups, no banners, just you and the cards.
Instant Load: Our lightweight game loads in milliseconds, even on slow connections.
Works Offline: Install as a PWA and play anywhere, anytime, without internet.
Privacy Focused: We don't track your personal data or sell your information.

Benefits of Playing Solitaire

Improves Patience: Teaches delayed gratification and persistence
Strategic Thinking: Develops planning and problem-solving skills
Stress Relief: Provides a calming, meditative gaming experience
Memory Enhancement: Helps remember card positions and sequences
Focus & Concentration: Improves attention to detail and sustained focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 1-card and 3-card draw?

In 1-card draw (easier), you draw one card at a time from the stock pile. In 3-card draw (harder), you draw three cards but can only play the top card, making the game more challenging.

Can every Solitaire game be won?

No, not every Solitaire deal is winnable. Studies suggest that about 79% of games are theoretically solvable, but this requires perfect play. Most players win about 10-15% of their games.

How is scoring calculated in Solitaire?

Points are awarded for moving cards to foundations (+10), revealing face-down cards (+5), and time bonuses. Points may be deducted for moves that don't progress the game.

What's the origin of Solitaire?

Solitaire card games originated in Northern Europe in the late 18th century. Klondike Solitaire specifically became popular during the Canadian Gold Rush and gained worldwide fame through Microsoft Windows.

Solitaire