Solitaire (Klondike)

Did you know Klondike Solitaire was originally added to Windows to teach people how to use a computer mouse? The intern who coded the 1990 version, Wes Cherry, created a game so engaging it helped popularize personal computers. Solitaire challenges you to sort a standard 52-card deck into four foundation piles, organized by suit from Ace to King. Research shows that engaging in this type of low-stakes, repetitive task acts as active resting, allowing your brain to process background problems while you sort cards. Our version lets you play instantly in your browser with smooth animations. Start a new game and train your focus today.

1. The game begins with 28 cards dealt into seven tableau columns. The first column gets one card, the second gets two, and so on. Only the top card faces up.
2. The remaining 24 cards sit in the stock pile. Draw from it to find new playable cards.
3. Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles. You must build each pile from Ace up to King by suit.
4. On the tableau, build descending sequences using alternating colors. For instance, place a red 6 on a black 7.
5. Move correctly sequenced groups of cards between columns. When a column empties, only a King can fill that space.

• Build four foundation piles from Ace to King, one for each suit.
• Tableau columns must descend in order with alternating colors.
• Only place Kings into empty tableau columns.
• Draw either one or three cards from the stock pile, depending on the variant.
• You win immediately when all cards reach the foundations.
• Moving a face-up card automatically reveals the face-down card beneath it.

• Move Aces and Twos to the foundations immediately. Keeping them in the tableau restricts your options.
• Prioritize revealing face-down cards. Uncovering hidden cards dictates your next logical move.
• Leave a tableau column occupied unless you have a King ready to move there. An empty column without a King wastes space.
• Build foundations evenly. Rushing one suit to the foundation can trap cards you need to build sequences in the tableau.
• Think three moves ahead. The most obvious play might block a critical card later.
• Use the undo button to safely explore different sequences without losing the entire deal.

• Spider Solitaire: Uses two decks. You build descending sequences of the exact same suit to clear them from the board.
• FreeCell: Deals all cards face up and provides four free cells for temporary storage. You can win nearly every deal with perfect strategy.
• Pyramid Solitaire: Cards form a pyramid structure. You clear the board by removing pairs of exposed cards that mathematically add up to 13.

• Games finish in 5 to 15 minutes, fitting perfectly into short work breaks.
• The rules require only minutes to learn.
• The game provides a form of active meditation that reduces stress.
• You do not need an opponent.

Play Solitaire directly in your browser. No downloads. No registration. We built this version with smooth card animations, unlimited undo moves, and automatic card detection. It runs perfectly on desktop computers, tablets, and phones. Track your best scores locally and see if you can beat your personal best time.

Klondike Solitaire provides an ideal mental reset. Whether you need five minutes to step away from work or a way to unwind at night, it delivers focused relaxation. Deal the cards and start playing now.

• The History of Windows Solitaire - Wes Cherry
• Mathematics of Solitaire - Persi Diaconis