How to Play: Klondike Solitaire
If you’re like us and spend a lot of time out on the water, you know that sometimes finding easy, portable games is key to passing the time and having fun. Recently, my kids discovered Klondike Solitaire on an old iPod, and it’s quickly become one of their favorite go-to games on the boat or when there’s downtime!
Here’s a guide to help you (and your little card sharks) get started with this classic game, whether you’re on the water, in a camper, or cozied up at home.
Looking for more game rules that you can try? See all of our blog posts tagged with Game Rules.
Game Information
Game Objective
The point of most Solitaire games, including Klondike, is to arrange all cards into four foundation piles by suit, from Ace to King.
Number of Players
Klondike can be played with 1 player (though friends or family can take turns and see who wins fastest).
Playing Time
A typical game of Klondike will usually take at least 5-15 minutes per game, depending on skill level and luck.
Supplies
A standard 52-card deck or a digital device with the Klondike Solitaire game (no Jokers).
Recommended Ages
Try this game around age 8 and up. (Younger kids can enjoy it with a bit of guidance, making it a great learning tool for patience and strategy!)
The Setup
The Layout: Deal out 28 cards into seven piles, known as the tableau, in a specific way:
First pile: one card face-up
Second pile: one face-down, then one face-up
Continue this way until the seventh pile, which has six face-down cards and one face-up card on top.
Foundations: At the top of your playing area, you’ll leave room for four piles, one for each suit (hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs). This is where you’ll build up each suit from Ace to King.
Stock and Waste Piles: Place the remaining cards in a separate pile (the “stock”). You’ll draw from this pile to add new cards to your game. If a card from the stock can’t be used, it goes into the “waste” pile next to the stock.
Playing the Game
Building Sequences in the Tableau:
Within the tableau (your seven piles), you can stack cards by alternating colors and moving from high rank to low. For example, you can place a black 7 on a red 8.
You can also move groups of cards stacked in alternating colors. If you reveal a new face-up card when you move cards, flip it over and add it to your options.
Moving Cards to Foundations:
When an Ace shows up, move it to one of the foundation piles. From here, continue to build that foundation pile in order (Ace, 2, 3, etc.) as cards become available.
Drawing from the Stock:
Draw three cards from the stock at a time, placing them face-up in the waste pile. The top card of these three can be played if it fits. If you use the top card, the next one becomes available for play. Keep going until the stock is empty, then flip the waste pile face down and start again with the remaining stock.
Filling Empty Spaces:
When a pile in the tableau is empty, it creates a “space.” Only a King can fill this space. Moving a King here can open up more moves, especially if you uncover face-down cards.
Winning the Game
The game is won when all cards are transferred from the tableau and the stock to the four foundation piles in order and by suit. It can take some patience and strategy, but that “win” is satisfying every time!
Great for Kids
This game is great for building some skills:
Math Skills - counting, matching, patterns
Counting - During pile setup, there is counting involved, and when flipping cards from the Stock Pile, you are generally flipping in counts of 3.
Pattern Recognition - Recognizing sequences and alternating colors helps reinforce visual and spatial skills as kids look for possible moves.
Basic Math and Order - Arranging cards from Ace to King helps younger kids solidify their understanding of sequencing, order, and number values.
Problem-Solving and Strategy - Kids learn to make decisions about which moves will help or hinder their game, developing planning skills and learning to think a few steps ahead.
Patience and Focus - The game naturally teaches patience, as sometimes they have to wait or strategize to access certain cards. It also builds focus since they need to check all board options carefully.
Memory and Concentration - Remembering which cards are where and mentally noting potential moves encourages concentration and short-term memory skills.
Adaptability and Resilience - Since the game doesn’t always go as planned, kids learn to adjust strategies on the fly and deal with setbacks—a valuable skill both in gaming and life.
Fine Motor Skills (for physical cards) - If they’re using an actual deck, managing and moving cards with care helps build dexterity.
Things that get our kids excited about this game:
The Thrill of Uncovering Cards - Each time they turn over a face-down card, it feels like unlocking a hidden mystery. Discovering an Ace or other helpful card can be super exciting!
Building and Completing Foundations - There’s a real sense of accomplishment when they complete one of the four foundation piles or get close to finishing the game.
Friendly Competition - While it’s a solo game, kids often love to see who can complete it the fastest or with the fewest moves, sparking friendly competition with siblings or parents.
Independence and Mastery - Kids love games they can master on their own. Once they understand the rules, they feel a sense of independence and confidence in making their own decisions and solving the game.
Challenge and Improvement - Every game is a new challenge, and kids often enjoy seeing their skills improve. They can feel proud of mastering strategies, spotting moves faster, and winning more often!
A Few Tips for Family Play
Make it a Challenge: See who can complete the game fastest or with the fewest reshuffles.
Practice Patience: Sometimes, Klondike Solitaire is all about waiting for the right card, so it’s a great exercise in patience.
Perfect for Boat Play: Since all you need is a deck of cards or a simple app, it’s perfect for those “no-wifi” times on the water.
So, if you’re out there cruising with your family and looking for a way to relax or wind down for a bit, grab a deck of cards or pull up Klondike Solitaire on a device. It’s a classic, low-key way to pass the time—perfect for anywhere your travels take you.
