Klondike Solitaire

Klondike is the card game most people simply call "Solitaire." Originally popularized during the Klondike Gold Rush and later made famous by Microsoft Windows, it remains the most-played solitaire variant in the world. Deal seven tableau columns, build four foundation piles from Ace to King, and try to clear the board.

How Klondike Works

A single 52-card deck is dealt into seven columns. Column 1 gets 1 card, column 2 gets 2, and so on up to 7 cards in column 7. Only the top card of each column is face-up; the rest are hidden. The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.

Build tableau columns in descending order with alternating colors — a red 6 on a black 7, a black Queen on a red King. Move Aces to the foundations and build up by suit to King. Only Kings can fill empty columns. Draw from the stock when you need more options.

Draw 1 vs Draw 3

In Draw 1 mode, you flip one card at a time from the stock — easier and great for beginners. In Draw 3 mode, you flip three cards but can only play the top one — significantly harder and the traditional competitive variant. Use the toggle above the game to switch between modes.

Klondike vs FreeCell

The biggest difference is information. In FreeCell, every card is visible from the start — it's a pure logic puzzle where 99.999% of deals are solvable. In Klondike, 21 cards start face-down, so luck plays a larger role. Many Klondike deals are genuinely unwinnable regardless of play. For a detailed comparison, see our FreeCell vs Klondike guide.

Learn More

• How to Play Klondike Solitaire — Complete rules and setup guide
• Klondike Strategy Guide — Tips to win more games
• Klondike FAQ — Common questions answered
• FreeCell vs Klondike — Head-to-head comparison
• Play Spider Solitaire — Another classic solitaire variant
• Types of Solitaire — Explore 20+ solitaire variants