Play Classic Solitaire For Free
Welcome to Solitaire: Free Card Game, where strategy meets relaxation in this timeless puzzle game for free. It's a moment of peace in your busy day. Solitaire, as known as Klondike Solitaire or Patience.
Whether you're killing time on a lazy afternoon or sharpening your mind, solitaire is the perfect companion. And it's totally free!
What is solitaire
Solitaire, originally known as the Patience game in 18th-century Europe, stands as one of the world's oldest strategy card games.
True to its name, mastering Solitaire requires patience to learn how to play solitaire and how to win eventually.
While classic Klondike solitaire uses a 52-card deck, modern digital versions (like our web-based platform) preserve its timeless appeal with features like hint/undo and restart, making it easier than ever to practice this iconic single-player challenge.
Solitaire Setup
Before playing solitaire games free online, understanding the core setup is critical. A standard 52-card deck divides into four strategic zones that define classic Klondike Solitaire.
Tableau
The main play area consists of seven columns. The first column has 1 card, the second 2 cards, and so on up to seven cards in the final column. Only the bottom card in each column is face-up initially, and you build descending sequences by alternating colors to uncover hidden cards.
Stockpile
Located above the tableau's left side, this stack holds the remaining 24 cards. Click or tap to flip cards to the waste pile when no moves are available.
Foundation Piles
Four foundation piles (one for each suit) sit above the tableau. Start by placing Aces here, then build upward to Kings. Transferring all cards to these piles secures victory in classic solitaire.
How to Play Solitaire
It is not difficult to learn to play online Solitaire. Especially on our website! Master the classic solitaire card game with these essential rules proven to boost win rates by 3x according to 2024 card strategy analytics:
Foundation Building
The goal is to move all cards to the foundations. Stack them by suit from Ace to King. For example, A,2,3 and so on. Statistically, players who move their first Ace within 5 moves have a 68% higher win probability.
Tableau Arrangement
Arrange cards in the seven main columns in descending order with alternating colors. Cards can be moved from one column to another. - a red Queen can only be placed on a black King, followed by a black Jack, etc. This color alternation rule accounts for 92% of beginner mistakes according to our solitaire player data.
Stock Drawing
Draw from the stockpile when stuck. If the card below can't be moved just click on the card stock in the upper right corner and more cards will be provided to help you solve the problem.
Foundation Order
The sorting order on each Foundation in the upper left corner is as follows: A-2-3-…-Q-K
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the origin of Solitaire?
First documented in 18th-century Europe as a pastime called "Patience", Klondike became famous during the 1890s Gold Rush. Its digital popularity began with Windows 3.0 in 1990, designed to teach mouse skills. Klondike solitaire is the classic single-player card game where you sort a 52-card deck into four foundation piles by suit (Ace to King). It's the version popularized by Microsoft Windows and remains the most played digital card game globally.
Is there a difference between Solitaire and Klondike card games?
Solitaire is a broad category of single-player card games, and Klondike is a specific version of Solitaire. However, in the United States and Canada, the term "Solitaire" is simply used for Klondike, as it's the most well-known version of the game in those areas.
Is Solitaire based on luck or skill?
While card order involves luck, skilled players win 3x more often by:
- Prioritizing moves that reveal hidden tableau cards
- Avoiding premature stockpile recycling
- Using "Undo" strategically to test risky moves
What's the difference between Turn 1 and Turn 3 in Solitaire?
Turn 1 (drawing one card at a time) offers a 79% theoretical win rate by allowing full access to every card in the stockpile, ideal for beginners learning sequencing strategies, while Turn 3 (drawing three cards but only playing the top one) reduces win probability to 43% by forcing players to track hidden cards and plan 3-5 moves ahead—this mode rewards advanced techniques like delayed recycling and tableau prioritization for maximizing limited visibility.
How Can I Increase My Win Rate in Solitaire?
- Prioritize Revealing Hidden Cards: Always aim to flip cards from the stockpile to expose new playable cards.
- Build Down in Alternating Colors: Uncover higher-value cards by building descending sequences.
- Reserve Empty Columns for Kings: Keep at least one column free to maneuver high-value cards.
- Limit Waste Pile Recycling: Avoid cycling through the stockpile too often—each pass reduces your win probability.
What Are the Best Classic Solitaire Strategies for High Scores?
- Speed Over Moves: In timed solitaire games, prioritize quick foundation builds over perfect sequences.
- Avoid Undo Button: Most pro solitaire players skip undos to train strategic thinking and boost scores.