Want to play Klondike Solitaire like you have a shot at winning? Listen up, because we’re gonna break down the strategy of Klondike for you here. Here’s a little secret: not every shuffle given in Klondike has a possibility of being solved, but there are some tips and tactics to keep in mind that will greatly increase your chances of victory. If you’re new to this game you should know that your ultimate goal is to collect all cards in ascending order (from Ace to King) into four separate groups determined by suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades). That is why you see four empty card shaped boxes toward the top right of the playing table (referred to as Foundation Piles). Sounds way too easy, does it? You’re right, the objective of the game is immensely simple, that’s part of what makes Klondike Solitaire so enjoyable. But save any further presuppositions until you know the true name of the game.

Since you’re here, you’ve probably already noticed that we have not only shuffled the deck for you, but we’ve also arranged the playing cards in 7 horizontal piles with the first of each lying face up, the number of cards increasing with each one. These piles comprise the tableau, or the seven piles of cards that make the focal point of the game. The rest of the deck is placed in a stockpile to the top left of the playing table. This pile is called the Reserve. To reveal the next card in each pile, the one which is already revealed must be moved. Don’t let this simplicity fool you; unlike the order of the Foundation Piles, cards on the playing table must be moved in alternating color and descending numerical order (a red 9 is played on top of a black 10 and so forth), and are not required to be matched by suit. To clarify, while the cards in the Foundation Pile are required to be sorted from Ace to King, the cards on the table begin in the opposite order. The King is seated at the top of the pile and all other cards fall in line.

You should start by scanning your revealed cards for a playable Ace. If you are fortunate enough to come across an Ace, double click or move the card into one of the empty Foundation slots. From there you can begin to build each pile, continuing with a 2 card of the identical suit and persevering until you’ve successfully placed each King atop of his domain. You won’t always happen upon an Ace so easily though, so in the meantime you should continue sorting the cards on the table in the descending and color alternating order previously mentioned. If you cannot make any moves with the cards on the table, begin utilizing the cards in the Reserve to create your piles. Cards from the Reserve can be placed in order on the board or taken directly to the Foundation Piles on the top right. Kings are the only cards that can occupy an empty slot on the playing table, so do your best to vacate a slot so that a King is able to occupy it when needed. By moving a King to this empty slot, the cards behind it will be revealed, thus possibly creating new plays for you. Throughout the tenure of the game you should challenge yourself to recognize whether a card is better played if moved to a Foundation Pile, or by moving it to another pile on the table to reveal the unidentified cards behind it and extend the order of a pile. Beware though, one wrong move could impede your march to victory.

So do you think you’re strategic enough to seat each King on his throne? There’s only one way to find out. Get back to your table and let’s put it to the test.

Foundation: Located in the top right area of the tableau, foundation piles are built upon beginning with an ace and increasing until the King is reached. There are four foundation piles, one for each suit (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs).

Lane: Any space that can be filled with a card or pile of cards. There are seven for play on the original tableau. These seven lanes are filled automatically when the cards are dealt, but may become barren as the games goes on. You may fill these lanes with the card of your choice, but choose wisely.

Redeal: Did the cards prove themselves superior to your skill? Hit the redeal button and try your hand at a fresh deal.

Reserve: Located in the upper left area of the tableau the Reserve pile houses the remaining cards of the deck after the cards in play are originally dealt. You may flip through the Reserve, card by card, and play each as the tableau permits. Cards from the Reserve may be placed on the tableau or directly into the foundation piles, but only in the correct order.

Royalty: We’re pretty sure you can guess this one, but your royalty cards are your Kings, Queens, and Jacks. No jokers in this crew.

Tableau: The tableau is comprised of the card piles constructing the main area of play in Klondike Solitaire. The piles are stacked downwards and only reveal the outermost card at the beginning of a deal. You reveal the cards on the tableau as you correctly maneuver those which are already known to you.

The best way to learn how to play Klondike is to jump right in. Allow us, however, to introduce you to some vital regulations of the game.

-Moving cards from pile to pile comes with restrictions that are dependent upon its destination. For example cards moved from pile to pile on the tableau must be moved atop a card if it is an alternate color and results in a decreasing numerical value (red 2 on a black 3). However, cards being transferred to the foundation piles must be sorted with identical suits and increase in numerical value (3 of spades atop a 2 of spades).

-Moving cards from pile to pile comes with restrictions that are dependent upon its destination. For example cards moved from pile to pile on the tableau must be moved atop a card if it is an alternate color and results in a decreasing numerical value (red 2 on a black 3). However, cards being transferred to the foundation piles must be sorted with identical suits and increase in numerical value (3 of spades atop a 2 of spades).

-You’ll want to turn over any unidentified cards as soon as possible to anticipate the next step in your strategy. It is up to you how you will successfully reveal them.

-Aces hold their value in the foundation piles. Therefore, move them there as soon as you happen upon them. The faster you build these piles, the better your chances are at winning.

-Once you move an Ace to its home in a foundation pile, you may be tempted to promptly move increasing cards into these homes as you find them. Be weary of this, keeping these cards on the tableau may help you build piles and reveal the unidentified cards. This won’t always be the case, but you’ll get a hang of it with some experience.

-Points will continue to accumulate as you make wise moves with the hand you’re dealt. Don’t forget, however, that the clock is ticking. The longer you take to strategize, the more your score will pay the price.

You know the history, we’ve read you the terms, and you’ve met the rules, so you should be half of the way to pro status now. What are you waiting for? It’s only up from here. Get crackin’!

Q:Is it possible to win every deal?

A: We thought you’d never ask. There are, in fact, some deals that will prove unsolvable. But whether or not you succumb to the hand because of the deal or a weakness in your strategy is up to you.

Q: Are there different point values for different card maneuvers?

A: Yes! You’ll notice that your point value will increase substantially when moving a card into the foundation piles; much more so than it would by simply moving cards to and fro amongst the tableau. Point values vary by different movements.

Q: Can I move any card into an open lane?

A: You can, but be careful. You want to optimize free lanes in anticipation of the next move. Will your strategy be stronger by moving that red King into the free lane to continue building down the line? Or is it more beneficial for you to move that 2 of Spades into the free lane to reveal the hidden cards behind it? You’ll have to find out for yourself.