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Official Klondike Rules
Klondike (Also known as Patience) is one of the most popular solitaire card games. The objective is to move all cards to four foundation piles, sorted by suit in ascending order from Ace to King. Here are the detailed rules for playing Klondike:
Objective
The objective is to move all cards to four foundation piles, sorted by suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Setup
1. Tableau: Seven piles of cards are dealt face down in the tableau, in the center of the playing area. The first pile has one card, the second pile two cards, and so on, until the last pile has seven cards face down with only the top card flipped face up. These face-up cards are the only playable cards in the tableau at the beginning.
2. Stock: The remaining deck of cards is placed face down next to the tableau. This is the stock, and you'll draw cards from it throughout the game.
3. Waste Pile: An empty pile is placed next to the stock. This will be the waste pile where you'll temporarily discard cards.
4. Foundations: Four foundation piles are located above the tableau. These are your building areas for the four suits (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades). Initially, they are empty.
Gameplay
Moving Cards in the Tableau:
You can move face-up cards within the tableau according to the following rules:
A card can be moved to another column if it creates a descending sequence alternating in color (e.g., a red 6 on a black 7).
Only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can be moved to an empty column.
Revealing Face-Down Cards:
When you move a face-up card from a column, turn the next card in that column face-up.
Building the Foundation:
Move Aces to the foundation piles as they become available.
Build each foundation pile by suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Using the Stock Pile:
Draw cards from the stock pile one at a time, placing them face-up on the waste pile.
You can move the top card from the waste pile to the tableau or foundation if it fits according to the rules.
If you cannot or choose not to use the drawn card, leave it in the waste pile and draw another card from the stock pile.
Recycling the Stock Pile:
If the stock pile is exhausted, you may turn the waste pile face down to form a new stock pile and continue drawing cards.
In some variations, you are allowed only a limited number of passes through the stock pile (commonly three).
Winning the Game
The game is won when all cards are moved to the foundation piles, correctly sorted by suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Notes/Variations
Plan Moves Carefully: Always consider the implications of each move to avoid blocking important cards.
Expose Face-Down Cards: Prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards in the tableau.
Use the Stock Wisely: Think ahead when drawing from the stock pile, and make the most of available moves before recycling the stock.
Klondike is a challenging and engaging solitaire game that combines strategy, foresight, and a bit of luck. Whether you play for relaxation or to sharpen your mind, mastering Klondike is a rewarding experience.
