Solitaire

How to Play Solitaire

Solitaire is a classic single-player card game where you aim to organize your cards into foundation piles, starting with Ace and progressing to King. While Klondike Solitaire is the most popular, there are many variations such as Klondike Turn 3 and FreeCell. Known as "Patience," the game requires strategy and patience to win.

On Solitrd, you can easily play online solitaire on any device without downloading and enjoy an unlimited variety of solitaire games.

Objective

The objective of the game is to arrange all 52 cards into four foundation piles, one for each suit: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. Each foundation must be built in ascending order, starting with an Ace and ending with a King. To achieve this, you’ll need to make strategic moves using face-up cards from both the tableau and the stockpile. The game is won when all cards are correctly organized into their respective foundation piles in proper sequence.

Solitaire Setup

Solitaire Rules

How to Play – Card Movement Rules:

• Only move face-up cards: Face-down cards in the tableau stay hidden until the face-up card on top is removed.
• Play from the waste pile: Moving a face-up card from the waste pile reveals the next card, which may be played onto the tableau or foundation.
• Move cards between tableau columns: You can move a card onto another if it’s one rank higher and of the opposite color. For example, place a 6 of Clubs on a 7 of Diamonds.
• Move sequenced groups: You can move a group of face-up cards if the top card of that group can be placed on a valid alternate-color, one-rank-higher card.
• Reveal hidden cards: When you remove a face-up card that’s covering a face-down card in the tableau, the hidden card will flip face-up and become playable.
• Build foundation piles by suit: Start with an Ace and build up in order: Ace, 2, 3... up to King, all in the same suit.
• Only place the Kings in empty tableau columns: You can place a single King or a group of sequenced cards starting with a King into any empty column.
• Use the stockpile when stuck: If you can’t move, flip a card from the stockpile. Keep flipping until a move is possible.
• Read when needed: When the stockpile is empty, click the waste pile to reset it back into the stockpile and continue playing.

Tips for Winning Solitaire

Want to win more often? Master Solitaire with these smart tips that sharpen your decisions and give you a real advantage.

• Prioritize flipping hidden cards
  Your main goal early on should be revealing face-down cards. The more you uncover, the more moves open up. Each face-up card gives you better control over the game.
• Check the stockpile before your first move
  Don’t overlook the first card in the stock. Flip it early—it might help start a chain reaction or unlock a better path than the tableau alone offers.
• Read the tableau carefully
  Before making any move, scan the layout of cards on the tableau and the top of your waste pile. A quick look can help you plan the most efficient route forward.
• Send Aces and 2s to the foundation early
  Once these cards are available, move them out of the tableau. They’re rarely useful there, and starting your foundations early opens up space.
• Clear long tableau stacks first
  Target the columns with the most hidden cards. These often block critical cards you’ll need later, so surfacing them early can be a game-changer.
• Don’t rush cards into the foundation
  It’s tempting to move every eligible card up, but pause and think. That 4 of Hearts might help build a useful sequence or uncover something more valuable.
• Reuse foundation cards when the game allows
  If your version lets you pull cards back from the foundation, use that to your advantage. Sometimes replaying a card can help unlock a stuck situation.
• Prepare empty columns for Kings
  Only Kings—or a group starting with a King—can be placed in empty tableau columns. Even if you don’t have a King yet, make space so you’re ready when one appears.
• Use the hint and undo tools wisely
  Hints can reveal missed opportunities, and the undo button gives you a second chance to test better strategies. Use them to learn and adapt.

  Looking to level up even more? Dive into our full Solitaire strategy guide for advanced tips and expert tricks.

How Difficult is Solitaire?

Classic or Klondike Solitaire is considered easy, especially in the Turn 1 format, which has a 33.0% win rate based on nearly 2.9 million games. Turn 3 mode is more challenging, with a lower win rate of 11.1%, making it a medium-difficulty version. Players looking for variety can try FreeCell Solitaire Online for more open strategy or Spider Solitaire for added complexity.

Pyramid Solitaire and TriPeaks Solitaire also offer unique challenges for fans of online card games. Exploring different modes helps players improve and find the right level of difficulty.

Play Solitaire Online at Solitrd

At Solitrd, enjoy various solitaire games, including free spider solitaire games and the best online solitaire for PC. Whether you love the classic solitaire card game or want a fresh challenge, you can play online solitaire anytime, for free, and without downloads!

Explore different solitaire variations and sharpen your skills with daily challenges. Play now and experience the best of solitaire entertainment online.

Frequently Asked Questions