Master the language of solitaire! Whether you're a beginner learning how to play solitaire or an experienced player exploring new variants, understanding solitaire terminology is essential. This comprehensive glossary covers all the terms you'll encounter in Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, TriPeaks, Golf, Pyramid, and other popular solitaire games.
A
Ace
Card Rank
The lowest-ranking card in most solitaire games, typically valued as 1. Aces are usually the first cards placed on foundations, with other cards built up from the Ace in ascending order.
Example: "Start each foundation by placing an Ace, then build up to King."
A building requirement where cards must alternate between red (Hearts, Diamonds) and black (Clubs, Spades) suits. This is the standard building rule for Klondike and FreeCell tableau piles.
Example: "Place a red 6 on a black 7, then a black 5 on the red 6."
A feature that automatically moves all remaining cards to the foundations when no more strategic decisions are needed and the game is clearly won. Saves time when victory is assured.
Example: "Once all cards are revealed and no blocks remain, click auto-complete to finish instantly."
B
Base Card
Foundation
The first card placed on a foundation pile, which determines the starting rank for that foundation. In most games this is an Ace, but some variants use Kings or other ranks.
Example: "In standard Klondike, Aces are the base cards for all four foundations."
To place cards on top of each other according to the game's rules. Building can occur on tableau piles (usually descending) or foundation piles (usually ascending). The specific building rules vary by game variant.
Example: "Build down by alternating colors on the tableau, build up by suit on the foundations."
A card that cannot currently be played because other cards are covering it or because no legal moves are available for it. Unblocking cards is a key strategic consideration.
Example: "That Ace is blocked by three cards above it—we need to move those first."
A temporary storage location that can hold one card. The defining feature of FreeCell, where four cells allow you to temporarily store cards while maneuvering. Some other variants also include cells.
Games: FreeCell (4 cells), Baker's Game (4 cells)
Example: "Move the blocking King to a free cell to access the Ace underneath."
A vertical arrangement of cards in the tableau. The number of columns varies by game—Klondike has 7, Spider has 10, FreeCell has 8. Cards within a column are usually overlapped to save space.
Example: "Try to create an empty column so you can move a King there."
The initial arrangement of cards at the start of a game, or the act of drawing cards from the stock pile. Each solitaire deal is typically unique, and some are impossible to win.
Example: "This deal looks difficult—three Aces are buried deep in the tableau."
Cards arranged in decreasing rank order (King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9...). This is the standard building direction for tableau piles in most solitaire variants.
Example: "Build a descending sequence on the tableau: 10-9-8-7-6."
Another name for the waste pile—the face-up pile of cards drawn from the stock that couldn't be played immediately. Only the top card is typically available for play.
Example: "The card you need is buried in the discard pile under five other cards."
The number of cards turned over from the stock pile at one time. Klondike can be played as Draw 1 (easier) or Draw 3 (harder). Draw 3 means you can only play every third card unless you first play the cards on top.
Games: Klondike, some other stock-based variants
Example: "Draw 3 Klondike is much harder because many cards become temporarily inaccessible."
A card placed with its back showing, hiding its rank and suit. Face-down cards cannot be played until revealed. Revealing face-down cards is a primary objective in games like Klondike and Spider.
Example: "Moving that 8 will reveal a face-down card—always a good move."
The piles where cards are built in ascending sequence, typically by suit. Getting all 52 cards onto the four foundations is the goal of most solitaire games. Foundations usually start with Aces and build up to Kings.
Example: "Once you've built all four foundations from Ace to King, you've won!"
1) A solitaire variant with four temporary storage cells and eight tableau columns. Nearly all deals are winnable with perfect play. 2) The individual storage cells in this game, each holding one card.
Invented: 1978 by Paul Alfille
Example: "FreeCell requires careful planning since you have perfect information from the start."
A feature that suggests a legal move when you're stuck. Hints help you learn strategy and avoid missing obvious plays, though overusing them can reduce the challenge.
Example: "Click the hint button if you can't find any moves—it will highlight a playable card."
K
King
Card Rank
The highest-ranking card (rank 13). In most games, Kings can only be placed in empty tableau columns or as the final card on a foundation. King placement is often strategically critical.
Example: "Save that empty column for a King—don't waste it on a lower card."
The most popular solitaire variant, featuring seven tableau columns and a stock pile. Often simply called "Solitaire." Can be played as Draw 1 or Draw 3. Popularized by Microsoft Windows.
Example: "When people say 'solitaire,' they usually mean Klondike."
The act of placing a card or sequence of cards from one location to another according to the game's rules. Move counting can track game efficiency.
Example: "I won this deal in 87 moves—my best score yet!"
P
Pile
Game Layout
A collection of cards in a specific location. Can refer to tableau piles, foundation piles, the stock pile, or the waste pile. Each pile has specific rules about which cards can be added or removed.
Example: "Move that sequence to the empty pile on the right."
1) A solitaire variant where cards are arranged in a triangular pyramid shape. Cards are removed by pairing them to total 13. 2) The pyramid-shaped layout used in this game.
Games: Pyramid Solitaire, TriPeaks (uses three pyramids)
Example: "In Pyramid, remove pairs that add to 13—Queens are worth 12, Kings are 13 and removed alone."
The numerical or face value of a card: Ace (1), 2-10, Jack (11), Queen (12), King (13). Building rules usually depend on rank—cards must be one rank higher or lower than the card they're played on.
Example: "A 7 is one rank lower than an 8, so it can be played on the 8 in the tableau."
To turn the waste pile back over to form a new stock pile when the stock is empty. Some games allow unlimited redeals, some allow a limited number, and some allow none.
Common Rules: Klondike typically allows unlimited redeals (Draw 1) or limited redeals (Draw 3)
Example: "I've gone through the stock twice—on my third redeal now."
A set of cards dealt aside at the start that can be played but not built upon. Similar to cells but typically contains multiple cards initially. Used in variants like Canfield and Demon.
Example: "The reserve contains 13 cards—play them to the foundations when possible."
To start the same deal over from the beginning. Useful for trying different strategies on difficult deals or attempting to improve your move count.
Example: "I got stuck—let me restart this deal and try a different approach."
Reveal
Game Action
To turn over a face-down card, making it face-up and available for play. In Klondike and Spider, revealing cards is accomplished by moving the face-up cards above them.
Example: "Prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards—they give you more options."
A series of cards in consecutive rank order. Sequences can be ascending (A-2-3-4) or descending (K-Q-J-10). Many games require sequences to also follow suit or color rules.
Example: "I built a seven-card sequence from King to 7—now I can move it as a unit."
The initial dealing of cards before play begins. Each solitaire variant has a specific setup pattern—Klondike's seven columns with 1-7 cards each, Spider's ten columns with 5-6 cards each, etc.
Example: "Klondike setup: Deal seven columns with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cards, top card face-up."
A challenging solitaire variant using two decks (104 cards) dealt into ten tableau columns. Cards are built down regardless of suit, but complete same-suit sequences from King to Ace are removed. Can be played with 1, 2, or 4 suits.
Invented: 1949 | Difficulty: High (especially 4-suit)
Example: "Spider Solitaire rewards long-term planning—you need to build eight complete sequences."
The pile of face-down cards remaining after the initial deal. In Klondike, you draw from the stock to the waste pile. In Spider, clicking the stock deals one card to each tableau column.
Example: "I'm running low on moves—time to draw from the stock pile."
Games: Klondike (draw to waste), Spider (deal to tableau), many others
One of four categories in a standard deck: Hearts (♥), Diamonds (♦), Clubs (♣), Spades (♠). Hearts and Diamonds are red; Clubs and Spades are black. Most games require foundation building by suit.
Example: "Each foundation must contain all 13 cards of a single suit."
The main playing area containing the columns of cards where most of the action takes place. The tableau is where you build descending sequences and reveal face-down cards. Layout and rules vary by game.
Example: "The tableau in Klondike has seven columns; in Spider it has ten."
A solitaire variant featuring three overlapping pyramid-shaped peaks. Cards are removed by playing cards one rank higher or lower than the waste pile card. Fast-paced and score-focused.
Invented: 1989 by Robert Hogue
Example: "TriPeaks rewards long chains—each consecutive move adds to your score multiplier."
A feature that reverses your last move(s). Helpful for correcting mistakes or trying alternative strategies. Some purists prefer not to use undo for a greater challenge.
Example: "I moved the wrong card—let me undo and try the other option."
Uncover
Game Action
To expose a card that was previously hidden, either by revealing a face-down card or by removing cards that were blocking it.
Example: "Uncover that Ace as quickly as possible—it's blocking progress."
The face-up pile where cards from the stock are placed. In Klondike Draw 1, the top card is always playable. In Draw 3, you see three cards but can only play the top one unless you first play cards above it.
Example: "The card I need is third from the top in the waste pile—I need to play two cards first."
To successfully complete a solitaire game, typically by building all cards onto the foundations. Win rates vary dramatically by variant—FreeCell is ~99% winnable, while Draw 3 Klondike is only ~10-15% winnable.
Example: "After 45 minutes and 203 moves, I finally won this Spider Solitaire deal!"