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How to Play Microsoft Solitaire (Klondike)

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A screenshot of a Klondike Solitaire game, showing the player has just moved the Ace of Clubs to one of the foundation piles. The game is from Microsoft Solitaire.

Credits: Xbox

Table of Content

  1. Objective of the Game
  2. Initial Setup
  3. Rules of Microsoft Solitaire
  4. Building the Foundation
  5. How to Play Step-by-Step
  6. Where to Play Microsoft Solitaire (Klondike)

Microsoft Solitaire (Klondike) is one of the most popular card games in the world, known for being included in various versions of Windows since 1990. Although simple at first glance, it requires strategy and attention to win.

In this guide, you will learn the rules, objectives, and tips to play Solitaire on your computer or mobile device.

Objective of the Game

The goal of Solitaire is to arrange all the cards by suit (hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs), in ascending order from Ace to King, in the four spaces called foundation piles.

Initial Setup

When starting a game of Classic Solitaire (Klondike), the layout includes:

  • 7 piles of cards in the main area (also called the “tableau”). A minimalist digital rendering of a Klondike Solitaire game layout on a green surface. One facedown card is visible in the upper left, and a row of partially overlapping cards are spread out below, with the rightmost piles containing more cards. An arrow points upwards towards the empty foundation piles.
  • Stock pile: face-down cards that can be drawn during the game.
    A digital image of a Solitaire game with a slight change from the previous image. The stock pile card is highlighted and a white arrow points from it to the tableau piles below, suggesting the next move is to deal a new card.
  • Foundation piles: four empty spaces where you arrange each suit from Ace to King.
    A screenshot of a Klondike Solitaire game. An arrow points from the covered stock pile to the empty foundation piles in the top right, indicating that a card might be moved there. The tableau piles are arranged below, with some face-up cards and some face-down cards.
  • Waste pile: face-up cards coming from the stock pile.
    A screenshot of a Klondike Solitaire game. The stock pile is shown with three cards revealed, and a white arrow points from the top revealed card (Ace of Spades) to the empty foundation piles, suggesting that it can be moved to begin a new foundation pile.

Rules of Microsoft Solitaire Klondike

Moving cards between tableau piles

You can move cards in descending order while alternating colors (red and black).
Example: A 7 of diamonds can be placed on top of an 8 of clubs.

A screenshot of a Klondike Solitaire game. The game is in progress with several cards face up in the tableau and a face-down stock pile.

Empty spaces

Only a King (and any sequence it carries) can be placed in an empty tableau space.

A screenshot of a Klondike Solitaire game. A highlighted King of Spades in the tableau has a curved arrow pointing to an empty column on the left, demonstrating the rule that only Kings can fill an empty tableau space.

Using the stock pile

Clicking the stock pile reveals cards that can be used in the tableau or in the foundation piles.

A digital representation of a Klondike Solitaire game in progress. An arrow points from the deck to the face-up cards next to it, suggesting the player might draw another card. The tableau below shows a partially completed layout.

Building the foundations

Start with the Ace of each suit and follow in order up to the King, always in the same suit.

A screenshot of an advanced Klondike Solitaire game where all four Aces have been successfully moved to their foundation piles. The tableau shows long, structured sequences of cards and a highlighted empty space, indicating that the game is well underway.

How to Play Step-by-Step

Start with the Aces

Place Aces in the foundations as soon as they appear.

Reveal hidden cards

Whenever possible, move cards to uncover face-down ones.

Move strategically

Avoid moving cards just to free up space; plan moves to create better opportunities.

Use the stock pile wisely

Sometimes it’s worth waiting before playing a card from the stock to avoid blocking other moves.

Tips to Win at Microsoft Solitaire Klondike

  • Prioritize clearing long columns to have more maneuvering space.
  • Don’t move cards to the foundation too early if they can help move other piles.
  • Use the Undo option sparingly to correct strategic mistakes.

Where to Play Microsoft Solitaire Klondike

Besides Windows, Microsoft Solitaire is available on:

Microsoft Solitaire Klondike is a game that combines luck and strategy. With practice, you’ll learn to identify the best moves, increasing your chances of winning.

Caio Vinicius

About Caio Vinicius

Founder and writer of the Games Catalogue blog. I have a particular interest in horror and action games, as well as a touch of science fiction.

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