How to Play Solitaire: Rules, Setup & Tips for Beginners

Solitaire is one of those games that looks obvious until you actually try to complete a difficult deal.

Move cards. Build sequences. Reveal hidden cards. Send cards to the foundations.

Simple, right?

The challenge is that every move changes what becomes possible later. A move that looks useful now can block an important card several turns later.

That's why Solitaire works so well as both a casual card game and a strategy puzzle.

This guide focuses on the familiar Klondike-style Solitaire structure, though digital versions may implement specific rules differently.

If you want to practice while learning, you can play Solitaire Club on GameJo.

What Is Solitaire?

“Solitaire” is actually a broad family of card games designed primarily for individual play.

When many people say “Solitaire,” however, they're referring to Klondike, the version popularized on personal computers.

The goal is generally to move the cards into four foundation piles organized by suit, beginning with the Ace and building upward toward the King.

Getting there requires carefully managing the cards on the tableau and the cards available from the stock.

Understanding the Solitaire Board

Before making moves, learn the main areas of the game.

Tableau

The tableau is the main playing area containing columns of cards.

This is where much of the strategy happens.

Foundation

The foundations are the destination piles.

Cards are typically built upward by suit:

Ace → 2 → 3 → ... → Queen → King

Completing all foundation piles completes the game.

Stock

Cards not initially available in the tableau are kept in the stock.

Waste

Cards drawn from the stock may become available through the waste pile, depending on the rules of the version you're playing.

How Cards Move on the Tableau

In standard Klondike-style play, tableau sequences are generally built downward while alternating colors.

For example:

Black 10 → Red 9 → Black 8 → Red 7

This alternating pattern is fundamental.

You can use it to rearrange cards and expose hidden cards underneath.

Why Revealing Hidden Cards Matters

Beginners often become excited about sending cards to the foundation.

But revealing face-down tableau cards is usually one of your most important objectives.

Why?

Because every hidden card represents unavailable information and potentially unavailable moves.

Turning it face-up increases your options.

When choosing between two otherwise similar moves, the one that reveals a hidden card is often strategically attractive.

Empty Columns Are Powerful

An empty tableau column can become extremely valuable.

Under common Klondike rules, a King—or a sequence beginning with a King—can be moved into an empty column.

That can create room to reorganize other cards and reveal additional hidden cards.

But don't clear a column without thinking.

Ask:

Do I have a King that can actually use this space?

An empty column with no useful move can temporarily accomplish very little.

Don't Automatically Send Every Card to the Foundation

This is one of the most useful beginner lessons.

Just because a card can move to the foundation doesn't always mean it should immediately move there.

A card might still be useful on the tableau for building an alternating sequence.

For example, moving a red card away too early could remove the card you need to place a black card and reveal something underneath.

Solitaire rewards flexibility.

Prioritize Moves That Reveal Information

Suppose you have two choices:

Move A: sends an easy card to the foundation.

Move B: exposes a face-down tableau card.

Move B may create significantly more possibilities.

This is why Solitaire is not simply about moving cards toward the foundation as quickly as possible.

It's about gradually unlocking the board.

Use the Stock Carefully

Depending on the version you're playing, stock rules can significantly affect strategy.

Don't click through cards without paying attention.

Notice:

• which useful cards appear;

• their order;

• which tableau moves could make those cards usable;

• whether taking one card changes your access to another.

The stock isn't just a source of extra cards. It's part of the puzzle.

Think Before Moving Kings

Kings have a special role because they can typically occupy empty tableau columns.

But moving a King simply because you can isn't always optimal.

Consider what comes with it.

A King with a useful sequence beneath it may be far more valuable than an isolated King that fills your only empty column.

Look for Aces and Low Cards

Foundations begin with Aces.

That makes Aces and other low cards important to uncover.

If an Ace is trapped underneath a long sequence or a face-down card, your progress can eventually become restricted.

Pay attention to where your low cards are and what needs to happen to free them.

Common Solitaire Mistakes

Making the first available move

Available doesn't mean optimal.

Moving cards to foundations too quickly

You may need those cards on the tableau.

Ignoring hidden cards

Revealing hidden information should usually be a major priority.

Wasting empty columns

Empty tableau spaces are strategically valuable.

Clicking through the stock without observing

Card order matters.

Focusing only on immediate progress

A good move often creates future options rather than immediate foundation progress.

A Better Decision Process

Before every important move, ask:

1. Does this reveal a hidden card?

If yes, that's potentially valuable.

2. Does this create an empty column?

If yes, can I use it productively?

3. Does this block another useful move?

Check before committing.

4. Am I moving a card to the foundation too soon?

Consider whether it's still needed on the tableau.

5. Does this increase or reduce my options?

This may be the most useful question of all.

Is Every Solitaire Game Winnable?

No—not every possible Klondike deal is necessarily winnable under every rule set.

Furthermore, a potentially winnable game can become unwinnable after poor decisions.

That distinction is important.

Sometimes you lose because the card arrangement doesn't allow a solution under the rules. Other times, an earlier decision removed the path to victory.

The challenge is learning to distinguish between the two.

How to Improve at Solitaire

The fastest improvement comes from slowing down.

Before making an obvious move, scan the entire tableau.

Look underneath sequences.

Consider what becomes available if you move a stack.

Remember useful stock cards.

And most importantly, prioritize moves that create new choices.

Solitaire is often less about finding “the right card” and more about maintaining enough flexibility to keep solving the board.

You can apply these ideas while playing Solitaire Club.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of Solitaire?

In Klondike-style Solitaire, the goal is generally to build four foundation piles by suit from Ace through King.

What card goes into an empty Solitaire column?

Under common Klondike rules, only a King or a valid sequence beginning with a King can be placed in an empty tableau column.

Should I always move an Ace to the foundation?

Aces generally need to reach the foundations to begin those piles, so moving accessible Aces is usually useful. Later foundation decisions can require more strategic consideration.

Is Solitaire based on luck or skill?

Both can matter. The initial deal determines what possibilities exist, while your decisions influence whether you successfully use those possibilities.

Start Practicing

The best Solitaire players don't simply move cards faster.

They see consequences earlier.

Learn to value hidden-card reveals, useful empty columns and flexible tableau arrangements, and you'll begin approaching each game as a puzzle rather than a sequence of obvious moves.

When you're ready, play Solitaire Club free on GameJo and see how many moves ahead you can plan.