Learn Solitaire: Tutorial

On the tableau, you build downward in alternating colors. A red card goes on a black card, and vice versa. The ranks must descend by one:

- A black 10 can go on a red Jack

- A red 7 can go on a black 8

- A black Queen can go on a red King

Only Kings can be placed on empty tableau columns.

In this example, the 10 of Spades cannot go on the Jack of Clubs, because both are black. The 9 of Diamonds (red) can go on the 10 of Spades (black), and the 6 of Diamonds (red) can go on the 7 of Spades (black).

You can move entire sequences of face-up cards from one tableau column to another, as long as the bottom card of the sequence fits onto the destination.

For example, column 2 has a 10 of Spades, 9 of Diamonds and 8 of Spades (a valid sequence in alternating colors). You can move all three cards together onto the Jack of Diamonds (red) in column 1, which also turns up the face-down card beneath them.

This is essential for uncovering hidden face-down cards and reorganizing the tableau. Moving stacks efficiently is the key to winning!

The stock pile contains the 24 cards not dealt to the tableau. Click the stock to draw the top card, which is placed face-up on the waste pile.

The top card of the waste pile is available to play -- you can move it to the tableau or directly to a foundation pile.

When the stock runs out, clicking it will flip the waste pile back into the stock so you can cycle through the cards again.

Don't rely too heavily on the stock! Focus on uncovering face-down cards in the tableau first.

The four foundation piles (one per suit) are your goal. Build each foundation from Ace to King in a single suit:

A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K

You can move the top card from a tableau column or the waste pile onto a foundation if it follows the sequence. The game is won when all 52 cards are in the foundations.

In this example, the Ace of Hearts and 2 of Hearts have already been placed on the Hearts foundation. The 3 of Hearts is the next card needed.

Whenever you move the last face-up card off a tableau column, the next card is automatically flipped face-up. This reveals hidden cards and opens new possibilities.

Uncovering face-down cards is the primary way to make progress. Prioritize moves that reveal new cards over moves that simply rearrange face-up cards.

Strategic tips:

- Prefer columns with more face-down cards -- revealing them gives you more options

- Clear columns for Kings -- an empty column can accept any King, giving you room to maneuver

- Don't rush to foundations -- sometimes keeping a card on the tableau is more useful

You win when all 52 cards have been moved to the four foundation piles, each built from Ace to King.

Not every game of Solitaire is winnable -- some starting layouts are unsolvable. Studies suggest roughly 80% of Klondike deals are theoretically winnable with perfect play.

Tips for success:

- Think several moves ahead before acting

- Keep tableau columns balanced -- avoid emptying columns unless you have a King ready

- Cycle through the stock carefully -- track which cards are coming

- Don't give up too quickly -- a single revealed card can open a path to victory

Good luck!