Classic Solitaire
Play the traditional Klondike experience with smooth, fast gameplay.
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Classic Klondike Solitaire
Classic Klondike Solitaire is the timeless version most players think of when they hear solitaire. You build four foundations from Ace to King while arranging the tableau in alternating colors, creating a steady rhythm of reveals, reorganizations, and satisfying finishes.
For a deeper walkthrough, visit the Classic Solitaire how‑to guide and compare your best runs on the leaderboard.
Objective
Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, building each suit upward from Ace to King.
Setup
Deal seven tableau columns. The first column has one face‑up card, the second has one face‑up with one face‑down beneath it, continuing until the seventh column has one face‑up card with six face‑down cards.
Place the remaining 24 cards in the stock. Draw cards from the stock to the waste when no tableau moves remain.
Rules
Build tableau columns downward in alternating colors. A red 6 can be placed on a black 7, and only a King can move to an empty tableau column.
Foundations build upward by suit from Ace to King. Once a card is committed to a foundation, it usually stays there unless you are playing with a rule set that allows pulling cards back.
When no tableau moves are available, draw from the stock to the waste. Only the top waste card is playable. Some rule sets allow turning the waste back into a new stock when it runs out.
Strategy
Prioritize revealing face‑down cards early. Each hidden card is a blocked option, so moves that flip a card often outweigh small foundation gains.
Protect empty columns. An open column lets you reposition long alternating runs and frees space for a King that unlocks deeper cards.
Delay foundation moves when they reduce flexibility. If a low card is still needed to build alternating sequences, keep it in the tableau a little longer.
Plan waste draws in short sequences. Track the order of upcoming cards and look for a small chain of moves that keeps the tableau open.
Choose moves that expand options, not just score. The best move is usually the one that creates a new open space or reveals a hidden card.
FAQ
What is the goal of Classic Klondike Solitaire?
Move all cards to the four foundations, building each suit from Ace to King.
How do I build in the tableau?
Tableau piles build downward in alternating colors, such as a red 9 on a black 10.
Can I move a sequence of cards together?
Yes. You can move any correctly ordered, alternating‑color sequence as a unit.
What cards can move to empty columns?
Only Kings can be moved to an empty tableau column.
How does the stock and waste work?
You draw from the stock to the waste, and only the top waste card is playable.
Is every deal winnable?
No. Many deals are winnable, but some are unsolvable due to the layout.
Should I move cards to the foundation right away?
Not always. Early foundation moves can reduce tableau flexibility.
What is the best early‑game focus?
Reveal face‑down cards and create empty columns when possible.
How can I improve my win rate?
Plan several moves ahead, track hidden cards, and preserve flexible spaces.
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