What Is Solitaire?

Solitaire — most commonly known as Klondike Solitaire — is a single-player card game played with a standard 52-card deck. It became one of the most recognizable games in the world after Microsoft bundled it with Windows 3.0 in 1990, introducing it to hundreds of millions of PC users. Today it remains one of the most searched and played card games online.

The name "solitaire" is an umbrella term for a large family of card games played alone. Klondike is by far the most popular variant, though others like Spider Solitaire, FreeCell, and Pyramid Solitaire are also widely played. When most people say "solitaire," they mean Klondike — and that's exactly what you'll find here.

How to Play Solitaire

The goal of Klondike Solitaire is to move all 52 cards onto the four foundation piles, sorted by suit from Ace up to King. Here's how to get there:

• The layout: Cards are dealt into 7 tableau columns. The first column has 1 card face-up, the second has 1 face-down and 1 face-up, and so on up to 7. The remaining cards form the stock pile.
• Building the tableau: Stack cards in descending order (King down to Ace) and alternating colors. A red 7 can go on a black 8, for example.
• Using the stock: Flip cards from the stock pile to find playable cards. In standard rules, you draw one card at a time.
• Moving to foundations: As soon as an Ace appears, move it to a foundation pile. Build each foundation up from Ace to King in the same suit.
• Empty columns: Only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can be placed in an empty tableau column.
• Winning: Get all 52 cards onto the four foundation piles and you've won.

Tips and Strategy

Solitaire looks simple but has real depth. These tips will improve your win rate:

• Uncover face-down cards first. Every move that reveals a hidden card is generally a good move. More options means more chances to win.
• Don't rush to the foundations. It can be tempting to move cards to foundations as soon as possible, but keeping lower cards in the tableau can give you more flexibility for sequencing.
• Keep empty columns for Kings you need. An empty column is a powerful resource. Don't fill it with just any King — wait for one that has a useful sequence behind it.
• Alternate your color sequences carefully. When you have a choice between two valid moves, think ahead about which leaves you more options.
• Work through the stock systematically. If you've cycled through the stock once without useful draws, reassess your tableau before cycling again.

Solitaire Variants

Once you've mastered Klondike, there are several popular variants worth trying:

• Spider Solitaire: Played with two decks. You build sequences within the tableau and remove complete runs of 13. Much harder than Klondike.
• FreeCell: All cards are dealt face-up. Nearly every game is winnable with the right strategy. Great for players who like pure logic puzzles.
• Pyramid Solitaire: Cards are laid out in a pyramid. Pair cards that add up to 13 to remove them. Fast-paced and luck-dependent.
• Golf Solitaire: Move cards from a tableau to a waste pile in sequence. The goal is to clear as many cards as possible.

History of Solitaire

The origins of solitaire card games trace back to Northern Europe in the late 18th century — possibly Scandinavia or Germany. The earliest known written references appear in German game books from around 1783, though the games described differ from modern Klondike.

The Klondike variant specifically is believed to have emerged during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896–1899 in the Yukon, Canada — hence the name. Miners and prospectors reportedly played it to pass the long northern nights.

The game spread globally but truly exploded in popularity with Microsoft's decision to bundle it with Windows in 1990. The stated reason was to help users learn mouse skills (dragging and dropping cards), but the side effect was making solitaire a universal pastime. Estimates suggest it has been played more than any other computer game in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every Solitaire game winnable?
No. Statistically, roughly 80% of Klondike games are theoretically winnable, but in practice — given the decisions made during play — the effective win rate is much lower. FreeCell is closer to 99% winnable.

Can I play Solitaire on mobile?
Yes. Classic Games Hub is fully mobile-friendly. The game works on any modern smartphone or tablet browser without any download or app install.

Is this Solitaire game free?
Completely free. No account, no paywall, no hidden costs. The game is supported by non-intrusive ads.

How long does a game of Solitaire take?
A typical game takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Faster players can complete winnable games in under 5 minutes.

More Free Games

Looking for another challenge? Try these other free classic games:

• Sudoku – A logic-based number puzzle. Fill the 9×9 grid so every row, column, and box contains 1–9.
• See all games on Classic Games Hub.