How to Play
Game guide
Learn the basic rules for classic solitaire and Pyramid Solitaire. Both games are easy to start, but each one rewards patient choices and a little planning.
Play Solitaire
Start the main Klondike game.
Klondike Solitaire
Play the classic version directly.
Pyramid Solitaire
Match cards that add to 13.
Strategy
Improve your decisions before you play.
How to Play Classic Solitaire
- GoalMove all 52 cards to the four foundation piles. Each foundation starts with an Ace and builds upward by suit: Ace, 2, 3, and so on through King.
- TableauThe seven main columns are called the tableau. Cards in the tableau are built downward in alternating colors, such as a black 9 on a red 10.
- Stock and wasteThe stock is the face-down draw pile. Draw cards from the stock into the waste pile, then use the top waste card when it can legally move.
- Empty columnsOnly Kings can be moved into empty tableau columns. A King can bring any attached sequence with it.
- Face-down cardsWhen you move the face-up card away from a tableau column, the next face-down card is revealed.
- WinningYou win when every card has been moved to the foundations in suit order.
How to Play Pyramid Solitaire
- GoalRemove all cards from the pyramid by clearing pairs that add up to 13.
- Card valuesAce is 1, Jack is 11, Queen is 12, and King is 13. A King can be removed by itself.
- Free cardsA pyramid card can only be played when no cards are covering it. If another card overlaps it from the row below, it is blocked.
- Stock and wasteThe stock stays face-down. Click the stock to draw one card to the waste pile. Only the top waste card can be paired with a free pyramid card.
- Valid pairsCommon pairs include Queen-Ace, Jack-2, 10-3, 9-4, 8-5, and 7-6.
- WinningYou win when the pyramid is cleared. The stock and waste are tools for clearing the pyramid.
Should I play Turn 1 or Turn 3 in classic solitaire?
Turn 1 is usually easier because every stock card becomes available one at a time. Turn 3 is more challenging because the order of the waste pile matters more.
Why can’t I pair two visible Pyramid cards?
Both cards must be free. A visible card can still be blocked if another card overlaps it from the row below.
Can I play directly from the Pyramid stock pile?
No. Draw from the stock first. Once a card reaches the waste pile, the top waste card can be used in a valid pair.