Klondike Solitaire: The Complete Guide Updated: 2026-01-15

1. Klondike Solitaire Overview

Klondike Solitaire is the most popular solitaire card game in the world. The game's objective is to build four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order from Ace to King. What makes Klondike Solitaire so engaging is its perfect balance of luck and strategy - while the initial deal determines your chances, skillful play significantly increases your win rate.

A standard Klondike Solitaire game layout showing tableau, foundation, and stock piles

The game is known by several names including Classic Solitaire, Patience, and sometimes mistakenly as "Windows Solitaire" due to its inclusion in Microsoft Windows since 1990. The term "Klondike" refers to the Klondike region of Yukon, Canada, possibly because the game gained popularity during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush.

2. Historical Background

The origins of Klondike Solitaire are somewhat mysterious. The earliest known written rules appeared in the late 19th century, with the first definitive reference in "The Illustrated Book of Patience Games" (1870). The game's association with the Klondike Gold Rush (1896-1899) likely contributed to its name, as prospectors would have played card games during long winter months.

Klondike Solitaire's popularity exploded in the 20th century. It became a standard inclusion in many households' card game collections and gained particular prominence when included with Microsoft Windows 3.0 in 1990. This digital version introduced the game to millions who had never played card solitaire before.

In recent years, the game has seen a renaissance on mobile platforms, with sophisticated implementations offering daily challenges, statistics tracking, and various difficulty levels. Websites dedicated to Klondike Solitaire Games Free Online have made the game more accessible than ever.

3. Official Rules & Gameplay

3.1 Setup & Initial Deal

A standard game of Klondike Solitaire uses one 52-card deck. The initial layout consists of:

• Tableau: Seven piles with increasing number of cards (1 to 7). Only the top card of each pile is face up.
• Foundation: Four empty piles (usually at the top) for building completed suits.
• Stock: The remaining cards are placed face down as the stock pile.
• Waste: Cards turned from the stock go to the waste pile.

3.2 Basic Gameplay Rules

The player must build four foundation piles, one for each suit, in ascending order (Ace, 2, 3, ..., Queen, King). In the tableau, cards are built in descending order and alternating colors. For example, a red 7 can be placed on a black 8.

When you need a comprehensive rules reference, check out our detailed Klondike Solitaire Free Rules page. For those who prefer the more challenging variant, Aarp Klondike Solitaire Turn Three offers rules for drawing three cards at a time.

Visual demonstration of valid card movements in Klondike Solitaire

3.3 Turn One vs Turn Three

Klondike Solitaire has two main drawing variants that significantly affect difficulty:

If you're new to the game, starting with Klondike Solitaire Turn One Game is recommended. This easier variant allows you to learn the mechanics before tackling the more challenging three-card draw.

4. Winning Strategies & Tips

4.1 Fundamental Strategies

Mastering Klondike Solitaire requires both strategic thinking and tactical awareness. Here are proven strategies from expert players:

4.2 Advanced Techniques

For experienced players looking to improve their win percentage in the standard three-card draw variant:

• The "10% Rule": If you're less than 10% through the stock and haven't exposed any new tableau cards, consider restarting.
• Sequence building: Build long sequences in the tableau even if you could move cards to foundations.
• Stock cycling: In Turn Three, you can go through the stock indefinitely, so plan multiple passes.

For a collection of excellent implementations of these strategies, explore World Of Solitaire which offers multiple solitaire variants with statistical tracking.

Strategic card placement showing optimal tableau management

7. Download & Installation

Klondike Solitaire is available on virtually every platform. Here's a comprehensive guide to getting the game:

7.1 Mobile Applications

Android: Search "Klondike Solitaire" on Google Play Store. The top-rated apps typically have 4.5+ stars with 10M+ downloads. For a completely free experience, try 100 Free Klondike Solitaire Game which offers no ads in the first week.

iOS: Available on the App Store with both free and premium versions. The free versions usually include optional ads and in-app purchases for customization.

7.2 Desktop & Web Versions

For browser-based play, numerous websites offer instant play without downloads. These are perfect for quick games during breaks. Classic Klondike Solitaire Free provides a clean, ad-light experience suitable for all ages.

7.3 APK Installation Guide (Android)

For users who prefer manual APK installation:

1. Enable "Install from unknown sources" in Security settings
2. Download the APK from a trusted source
3. Open the downloaded file to begin installation
4. Accept permissions (typically requires storage access)
5. Launch the game after installation completes

11. Frequently Asked Questions