Meeple Nook

How to Play Solitaire

By Sam Rivera · October 10, 2026
How to Play Solitaire

How to Play Solitaire

Contents

Solitaire, also known as Klondike, is a classic single-player card game played with a standard 52-card deck. The objective is to build four foundation piles, each starting with an ace and ending with a king, in ascending order by suit. The game is ideal for ages 8 and up and is a great way to pass the time.

What You Need

How to Play

  1. Set Up the Tableau:
    Shuffle the deck thoroughly. Deal seven piles of cards from left to right:

    • The first pile gets one card face up.
    • The second pile gets one card face down, then one face up.
    • Continue this pattern until the seventh pile has six cards face down and one card face up.

  2. Prepare the Stock and Waste Piles:
    Place the remaining cards face down to form the stockpile. Leave space next to it for the waste pile (where drawn cards go).

  3. Start the Foundations:
    Leave four empty spaces above the tableau for the foundation piles. These will be built by suit, starting with aces.

  4. Move Cards in the Tableau:
    Only face-up cards can be moved. Tableau cards must be stacked in descending order and alternate colors (e.g., a red 7 on a black 8).

  5. Flip Hidden Cards:
    When you move a card off a tableau pile, flip the top face-down card to make it playable.

  6. Use Empty Tableau Spaces:
    If a tableau pile becomes empty, only a king or a sequence starting with a king can be placed there.

  7. Draw from the Stockpile:
    Draw cards from the stockpile one at a time (or three at a time for a harder game) and place them in the waste pile. Only the top card of the waste pile is playable.

  8. Build Foundations:
    Move aces to the foundation piles and build upward by suit (ace, 2, 3, etc.).

  9. Cycle Through the Stockpile:
    If you run out of moves, flip the waste pile over (without shuffling) to reuse the stockpile.

How to Win

You win Solitaire by successfully moving all 52 cards into the four foundation piles, built in ascending order by suit (ace to king).

Strategy Tips

  1. Prioritize Uncovering Hidden Cards: Focus on moving cards in the tableau to reveal facedown cards.
  2. Build Foundations Early: Move aces and low cards to the foundations as soon as possible.
  3. Avoid Blocking Sequences: Don’t rush higher cards to the foundations if they’re needed in the tableau.
  4. Use Kings Wisely: Kings are the only cards that can fill empty tableau spaces, so use them strategically.
  5. Plan Your Moves: Think several steps ahead to maximize your options.

FAQ

Q: Can I shuffle the stockpile if I run out of moves?
A: No, the stockpile can only be flipped over to reuse the cards, not shuffled.

Q: What happens if I can’t make any more moves?
A: The game is lost if no legal moves remain and all cards have been cycled through the stockpile.

Q: Can I move cards back from the foundations to the tableau?
A: Yes, but this is generally not recommended unless it’s necessary to progress the game.

Q: Is Solitaire a game of luck or skill?
A: It’s a mix of both. While luck determines the initial deal, skillful play increases your chances of winning.

Q: What are some popular Solitaire variations?
A: Popular variations include Spider Solitaire, FreeCell, and Pyramid Solitaire.

Sources