Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Solitaire, often known as Klondike, is one of the most recognizable single-player card games in the world. Like other solo card games such as Spider Solitaire and FreeCell, it blends luck with strategic movement of cards. Many versions can be played on a small surface, but those with larger layouts may require a floor or large table for more room. Here’s a breakdown of the official rules and how to play:

illustration of playing cards laid out in the setup of solitaire

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How to Play Solitaire – Complete Guide

Components

1 standard 52-card deck (no Jokers)

Objective

Your goal is to build up four foundation piles—one for each suit—in ascending order, from Ace to King. To win, every card in the deck must end up in the appropriate foundation pile.

More of a visual learner? Checkout the video tutorial at the bottom of the page!

Card Rank

Cards are ranked from highest to lowest: King (K), Queen (Q), Jack (J), 10 through 2, and Ace (A).

Layout and Setup

Solitaire uses four types of card piles:

Tableau – The main play area, consisting of seven columns.
Foundations – Four piles that start with Aces and are built up in suit order.
Stock – The remaining deck, used to draw new cards.
Waste – A discard pile for stock cards that can’t be immediately played.

To set up the tableau:

Deal seven piles from left to right.
Place one card face up on the first pile.
Then deal one card face down on each of the remaining six piles.
Repeat this process, adding one more card face up each time to the next pile to the right, and face-down cards to the others, until the seventh pile has six cards face down and one card face up.

Place the rest of the deck face down above the tableau to form the stock pile. The foundation and waste piles will begin empty.

illustration showing the starting setup for a classic game of solitaire, with a green felt background and stock piles, cards, and hand

Gameplay

The game begins by building down in alternating colors (red on black, or black on red) within the tableau. Only face-up cards can be moved. If a move reveals a face-down card, flip it face up and it becomes available for play.

Examples of legal moves:

Placing a red 6 onto a black 7 in the tableau.
Moving an Ace to an empty foundation pile.
Placing the next sequential card in the same suit on top of a foundation (e.g., 2♦ on Ace♦).

Cards may also be drawn one at a time from the stock pile. If the drawn card can be played onto the tableau or foundation, do so. If not, place it in the waste pile. Once the stock pile is exhausted, some versions allow you to reshuffle the waste into a new stock and try again.

Spaces in the Tableau
If a full column in the tableau is cleared, it becomes a “space.” Only Kings may be placed into a space. This rule is essential for revealing and moving blocked cards.

Winning the Game

You win when all cards have been moved to their foundation piles in proper suit order from Ace to King.

Video Tutorial

Solitaire FAQ

What is the goal of Solitaire?

The goal is to move all cards to the foundation piles, organized by suit from Ace to King.

How many cards are used in Solitaire?

A standard 52-card deck is used.

How do you set up the game?

Deal seven tableau piles: the first pile has one card, the second has two, and so on. Only the top card of each pile is face-up. The remaining cards form the stock.

How do you move cards in Solitaire?

Move cards between tableau piles in descending order and alternating colors (e.g., red 7 on black 8).

What are the foundation piles?

Four piles where cards are stacked by suit from Ace to King. The game is won when all cards are moved here.

Can I draw one or three cards at a time from the stock?

Depends on the version. Classic Solitaire often allows drawing one card; many modern versions use three-card draws.

What happens if no moves are possible?

If no legal moves remain, draw from the stock. If the stock is empty, the game may be lost unless tableau moves are still available.

Solitaire can be a relaxing and satisfying game to play, offering opportunities for strategic thinking and planning. Enjoy your solitaire sessions!