KLONDIKE STRATEGY
Klondike Solitaire strategy
Good Klondike play is about preserving choices. These priorities explain which moves create information and which attractive-looking moves can trap a deal.
Play Klondike Turn 1 Play Turn 3
1. Reveal hidden cards
Prefer a move that turns over a face-down tableau card. New information usually matters more than a quick foundation move.
2. Work long columns
When moves are otherwise equal, expose the column with more hidden cards. It is the larger constraint.
3. Protect empty columns
Do not clear a column unless you have a useful King ready or a concrete follow-up.
4. Choose Kings by access
If both colours can fill a space, choose the King that unlocks more cards or supports exposed opposite-colour Queens.
5. Do not rush foundations
A card moved upstairs may still be needed below. Aces and twos are usually safe; check dependencies before moving higher ranks.
6. Balance suits
Avoid pushing one foundation far ahead while opposite-colour suits lag.
7. Scan before drawing
Check every tableau card, foundation and sequence before touching the stock.
8. Learn stock order
On later passes, remember useful cards and blockers. Removing one card changes the Turn 3 rhythm.
9. Move with a purpose
A legal sequence move should expose a card, open a column or create a needed build.
10. Delay irreversible moves
When two options remain, prefer the choice that preserves the other branch until you know more.
11. Use undo to learn
Compare decisions and identify which earlier choice removed a useful option.
12. Accept blocked deals
Not every shuffle is winnable. Judge decisions separately from whether one deal solves.
Turn 1 and Turn 3 differ
Turn 1 provides direct access to each stock card. In Turn 3, every removal changes which card becomes available next, making pass planning a core skill.
Decision checklist
- Can I reveal a hidden card?
- Can I create and use an empty column?
- Will a foundation move remove a card the tableau needs?
- Have I checked all options before drawing?
- Which choice preserves more future moves?
New to the layout? Start with how to set up and play Solitaire. For a different decision system, read Pyramid strategy.