How to Play Solitaire: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Master the classic card game with our step-by-step guide for absolute beginners
Last Updated: November 2025 | Reading Time: 8 minutes
Quick Start: Solitaire is a single-player card game where you arrange cards into four foundation piles by suit, from Ace to King. This complete guide teaches you everything you need to know to start playing and winning today!
What is Solitaire?
Solitaire (also called Patience or Klondike) is the world's most popular single-player card game. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the goal is to arrange all cards into four foundation piles—one for each suit—organized from Ace to King.
The game gained massive popularity when Microsoft included it with Windows in 1990, introducing millions of people to the classic card game. Today, Solitaire is played by over 35 million people daily across the world, making it one of the most-played games of all time.
Did You Know? The term "Solitaire" comes from the French word for "alone" or "solitary." In the UK and other countries, it's often called "Patience."
What You Need to Play
- One standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
- A flat playing surface (table or play online)
- 5-15 minutes for an average game
- Basic understanding of card ranks and suits
That's it! Solitaire is one of the simplest games to set up, which is part of why it's so popular.
How to Set Up Solitaire: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Shuffle the Deck
Thoroughly shuffle your 52-card deck to randomize the cards. Good shuffling ensures each game is different and challenging.
Step 2: Deal the Tableau (The Main Playing Area)
Create seven columns of cards, dealt from left to right:
- Column 1: 1 card (face-up)
- Column 2: 2 cards (top card face-up, 1 face-down)
- Column 3: 3 cards (top card face-up, 2 face-down)
- Column 4: 4 cards (top card face-up, 3 face-down)
- Column 5: 5 cards (top card face-up, 4 face-down)
- Column 6: 6 cards (top card face-up, 5 face-down)
- Column 7: 7 cards (top card face-up, 6 face-down)
This uses 28 cards total (1+2+3+4+5+6+7 = 28).
Step 3: Place the Stock Pile
The remaining 24 cards become your "stock" pile. Place them face-down in the upper-left corner of your playing area.
Step 4: Create Space for Foundations
Leave room for four foundation piles in the upper-right area. These start empty and will eventually hold all 52 cards organized by suit.
Visual Layout: When set up, you should see 7 columns spread across the middle, stock pile upper-left, space for 4 foundations upper-right, and space for a waste pile next to the stock.
How to Play: The Rules
Objective
Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, building each suit from Ace through King.
Basic Rules
Building in the Tableau (The 7 Columns)
- Descending Order: Cards must be placed in descending rank (King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace)
- Alternating Colors: Red cards go on black cards, black cards go on red cards
- Example: A red 6 can go on a black 7
- Example: A black Queen can go on a red King
- Moving Sequences: You can move multiple cards together if they form a valid sequence
- Kings Only: Only Kings can be placed in empty columns
- Revealing Cards: When you move a face-up card, flip the card beneath it face-up
Building the Foundations
- Start with Aces: Each foundation must start with an Ace
- Build by Suit: Each foundation contains only one suit
- Ascending Order: Build up from Ace → 2 → 3 → 4... → Jack → Queen → King
- One-Way Movement: Once a card is in a foundation, you typically don't move it back (in standard rules)
Using the Stock Pile
- Draw 1 or Draw 3: Most Solitaire games let you draw 1 or 3 cards at a time from stock
- Draw 1: Easier for beginners (higher win rate)
- Draw 3: Traditional challenge (lower win rate, more strategy)
- Waste Pile: Cards from stock go to the waste pile face-up
- Only Top Card: Only the top card of the waste pile can be played
- Unlimited Passes: In most versions, you can go through the stock pile multiple times
How to Win at Solitaire: Beginner Strategies
Strategy #1: Always Reveal Face-Down Cards First
Priority #1 should be revealing face-down cards in the tableau. More visible cards give you more options and better decision-making. If you have a choice between moving a card to a foundation or using it to reveal a face-down card, usually reveal the card first.
Strategy #2: Don't Rush to Build Foundations
While foundations are your end goal, don't move cards there too quickly. Low cards (Aces through 3s) are usually safe to move immediately, but keeping 4s through 10s in the tableau gives you more flexibility for building sequences.
Strategy #3: Empty Columns Are Powerful—Use Wisely
Empty columns can only hold Kings, and they're your most valuable resource. Don't fill an empty column just because you can. Wait for a King that's blocking important cards or one that starts a long sequence.
Strategy #4: Build Long Sequences When Possible
Try to create long alternating sequences in the tableau. A well-organized column with many cards in proper sequence gives you flexibility and makes it easier to move cards around later.
Strategy #5: Think Several Moves Ahead
Don't just make the first move you see. Think about what that move reveals and what options it creates. Sometimes the obvious move now creates problems later.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Moving Aces and 2s Too Slowly
Aces and 2s have no use in the tableau (nothing can be built on them). Move them to foundations immediately—there's no strategic reason to keep them in play.
Mistake #2: Not Planning Before Drawing from Stock
Before clicking the stock pile, make sure you've exhausted all possible moves in the tableau. Sometimes a move you missed opens up better options than what's in the stock.
Mistake #3: Filling Empty Columns Immediately
New players often put the first available King in an empty column. Wait! Empty columns are precious. Use them strategically to reorganize problem columns or free up buried cards.
Mistake #4: Building Foundations Too Aggressively
Moving a 7 or 8 to a foundation might seem like progress, but you might need that card to build sequences in the tableau. Keep mid-range cards available until you're sure you don't need them.
Popular Solitaire Variations
Once you master Klondike Solitaire (the standard version), try these popular variants:
| Game | Difficulty | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Solitaire (Guide) | Hard | Uses 2 decks, build descending sequences of same suit |
| FreeCell (Guide) | Medium | All cards visible, 99.99% winnable with skill |
| TriPeaks (Guide) | Easy | Clear three pyramid peaks, fast-paced gameplay |
| Golf Solitaire (Guide) | Easy | Build sequences ±1 rank, quick 3-5 minute games |
| Pyramid Solitaire | Medium | Pair cards that sum to 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solitaire hard to learn?
No! Solitaire is one of the easiest card games to learn. The basic rules can be understood in 5 minutes, though mastering winning strategies takes practice. Most beginners can play their first complete game within 10 minutes of learning.
What percentage of Solitaire games are winnable?
With perfect play, approximately 80% of Klondike Solitaire games are theoretically winnable. However, average players win about 10-30% of games. With practice and strategy, skilled players can achieve 40-50% win rates.
Should I play Draw 1 or Draw 3?
Beginners should start with Draw 1 (drawing one card at a time from the stock). This gives you more control and higher win rates. Draw 3 is the traditional challenge mode—try it once you're comfortable with the basic game.
Can I move cards back from the foundations?
In traditional Solitaire rules, no. Once a card is in a foundation, it stays there. However, many digital versions (including ours) allow you to move cards back if needed, giving you more strategic options.
How long does a typical Solitaire game take?
Most games take 5-15 minutes. Quick wins might take 3-5 minutes, while difficult games can take 20+ minutes as you carefully plan moves and cycle through the stock pile multiple times.
Is online Solitaire the same as playing with real cards?
Yes, the rules are identical! Online Solitaire offers advantages like automatic card movement, undo features, hints, and statistics tracking. The core gameplay and strategy remain the same.
Why is Solitaire so popular?
Solitaire is popular because it's easy to learn, requires no other players, can be played in short bursts, provides mental stimulation, and offers a perfect balance of luck and skill. It's also free, widely available, and deeply satisfying when you win.
Ready to Play?
Now that you know how to play Solitaire, you're ready to start! Try our free online version with no downloads or signup required. Choose from multiple game variants, track your statistics, and improve your skills.
Learn More:
- Solitaire Tips & Tricks - Win more games
- Common Solitaire Mistakes - Avoid these errors
- Solitaire Difficulty Rankings - Win rates & skill levels
- Klondike Solitaire Advanced Strategies
- Learn Spider Solitaire
- Master FreeCell Solitaire
- Popular Solitaire Variants - Explore new games
- General Solitaire Winning Strategies
- The History of Solitaire