How to Play Solitaire
Master the classic Klondike Solitaire card game with our comprehensive guide
Game Overview
Solitaire, also known as Klondike Solitaire, is a single-player card game that has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. The goal is to organize all 52 cards into four foundation piles, building from Ace to King in each suit.
🎯 Your Objective
Build four foundation piles from Ace to King, one for each suit (♠, ♥, ♦, ♣).
Game Setup
Deck
One standard 52-card deck is used, shuffled thoroughly.
Tableau
Seven piles are dealt face-down, with the top card of each pile face-up.
Stock
Remaining cards form the stock pile for drawing additional cards.
Foundation
Four empty foundation piles where you'll build your winning sequences.
Game Rules
1. Foundation Piles
Start with Aces and build up in the same suit (A→2→3→...→K). Only the top card of each pile is visible and can be moved.
- Only Aces can start a foundation pile
- Cards must be the same suit
- Build in ascending order: A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K
2. Tableau Piles
Build down in alternating colors (red/black). You can move entire sequences of cards together.
- Only Kings can be placed on empty tableau spaces
- Build in descending order: K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A
- Alternate colors: red on black, black on red
- Move entire sequences of face-up cards together
3. Stock Pile
Click the stock pile to draw cards one at a time to the waste pile.
- Click to draw one card at a time
- When stock is empty, click to reset from waste pile
- You can go through the stock pile multiple times
4. Waste Pile
Use cards from the waste pile to build on foundation or tableau piles.
- Only the top card is available for play
- Can be moved to foundation or tableau
- Cards remain until stock is reset
How to Play
Start the Game
Look for Aces in the tableau piles and move them to the foundation area. Also check the waste pile for Aces.
Build Tableau Sequences
Move cards between tableau piles to create descending sequences of alternating colors. This helps reveal hidden cards.
Draw from Stock
When you can't make any more moves, click the stock pile to draw new cards to the waste pile.
Continue Building
Keep moving cards to foundation piles and building tableau sequences until you win or can't make any more moves.
Controls
Mouse/Touch
- Click: Select a card or pile
- Drag & Drop: Move cards between piles
- Double-click: Auto-move card to best location
Keyboard Shortcuts
- N: New Game
- U: Undo Move
- H: Get Hint
- Escape: Close overlays
Winning the Game
You win when all four foundation piles are complete, each containing 13 cards from Ace to King in the same suit. The game will automatically detect when you've won and display your final score and statistics.
🎉 Victory Conditions
- All four foundation piles must be complete
- Each foundation pile must contain 13 cards
- Cards must be in correct order (A→K) and same suit
- Game automatically detects win condition
Ready to Play?
Now that you understand the rules, it's time to put your knowledge to the test!
Start Playing Solitaire