Solitaire Rules: Complete Guide

What Is Solitaire?

Solitaire, also known as Klondike Solitaire, is the most popular single-player card game in the world. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the goal is to move all cards to four foundation piles, each built from Ace to King in a single suit. While luck plays a role in the deal, knowing the rules inside and out gives you the best chance of winning.

The Setup

A standard Solitaire game begins with 28 cards dealt into seven tableau columns. The first column has one card, the second has two, and so on up to seven. Only the top card of each column is face-up; the rest are face-down. The remaining 24 cards form the stock (also called the draw pile).

Key Areas of the Board

• Tableau — The seven columns where most of the action happens. Cards are arranged in descending order, alternating colors (red on black, black on red).
• Foundations — Four empty piles at the top, one for each suit. Build each from Ace up to King.
• Stock — The draw pile. Flip cards from here when you have no moves on the tableau.
• Waste — Cards drawn from the stock that cannot be immediately played land here.

How to Play

Building the Tableau

On the tableau, stack cards in descending rank and alternating colors. For example, a red 6 can be placed on a black 7. You can move a single card or an entire sequence 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. If a tableau column is completely empty, only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) may be placed there.

Using the Stock

When no moves are available on the tableau, draw from the stock. In Draw 1 mode, you flip one card at a time. In Draw 3 mode, three cards are flipped, and only the top card is playable. Unplayed cards go to the waste pile.

You may cycle through the stock as many times as you like (in most rule variants), but each pass through the deck reduces your options.

Building the Foundations

Move Aces to the foundations as soon as they appear. Then build each foundation up in suit: A, 2, 3 ... Q, K. The game is won when all 52 cards have been moved to the foundations.

Winning the Game

You win when all four foundation piles are complete — each containing 13 cards of the same suit, ordered from Ace to King. Not every deal is winnable; roughly 80% of Klondike deals can theoretically be solved with perfect play, though the average win rate for most players is closer to 25-30%.

Common Rule Variations

• Draw 1 vs. Draw 3 — Draw 1 is easier and recommended for beginners. Draw 3 adds significant challenge.
• Limited passes — Some variants limit how many times you can cycle through the stock, making each decision more critical.
• Vegas scoring — You "buy" the deck for a set amount and earn money for each card placed on a foundation.
• Timed play — A countdown timer adds urgency and rewards faster completion.

Quick Reference

• Deck: Standard 52 cards, no jokers
• Players: 1
• Tableau rule: Descending rank, alternating colors
• Foundation rule: Ascending rank, same suit (Ace to King)
• Empty column: Only Kings may be placed
• Goal: Move all 52 cards to the four foundations

Further Reading

• Solitaire Strategy & Tips — boost your win rate with proven tactics
• How to Play Solitaire — a beginner-friendly step-by-step walkthrough
• Solitaire vs FreeCell — see how Klondike compares to its strategic cousin

Ready to Play?

Now that you know the rules, put them into practice. Play Solitaire right here in your browser — no download required.