What is Solitaire?

Solitaire — also called Klondike — is the classic single-player card game that shipped with Windows for decades. You deal 52 cards into seven tableau columns and a draw pile, then sort everything into four foundation piles, one per suit, running from Ace up to King.

It is the card game most people picture when they hear the word "solitaire," and it is just as good for a quick break as it is for a long, relaxed think.

How to play Klondike Solitaire

The goal is to move all 52 cards onto the four foundations, each built up by suit from Ace to King.
In the tableau columns, stack cards down in alternating colors — a red six goes on a black seven.
Empty columns can only be started with a King.
Click the stock (the face-down pile) to flip cards into the waste pile, and play them from there.
On this board, tap a card to pick it up, then tap where it should go. You can also move a foundation card back to the tableau when the move is legal.

You can move a whole ordered run of cards at once, as long as it is in alternating colors and descending order.

Solitaire tips

Free your face-down tableau cards early — every card you turn over gives you new options. Don't empty a column unless you have a King ready to fill it, or you may leave yourself stuck.

Resist sending every low card straight up when it still helps unlock the tableau. If a foundation card becomes useful again, this board lets you move the top card back to a legal tableau spot.

Why play Solitaire?

Solitaire is the perfect low-pressure puzzle: easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and a calm way to practice planning a few moves ahead. There is no timer here and no sign-up — just shuffle and play.