varaq
Learn Klondike Solitaire, step by step
Varaq teaches Klondike Solitaire at a real table, one idea at a time. Each step sets up a hand, asks you to make one move, and shows you why it works; Show me plays it for you if you get stuck. The main stages end in a checkpoint, and a strategy stage is offered once you know the rules. The lessons are free, need no account, and run in English and Persian.
Stage 1: First moves
2 steps, then a checkpoint.
- Build down, alternate colours: Columns build down by one, alternating red and black: a red 7 goes on a black 8.
- Start a foundation with an Ace: The four upper foundations are separate from the columns below. Tap a card twice to send it up when it fits.
- Checkpoint: the two basic moves: The red Eight fits on the black Nine. The Ace of clubs starts the clubs foundation.
Stage 2: The rules
5 steps, then a checkpoint.
- Move a run to uncover a card: Pick any face-up card in a correct run; it moves with every card below it. Emptying the face-up cards reveals the hidden card beneath.
- Only a King fills an empty column: An empty column accepts only a King. Moving this King also reveals the card under it.
- Draw from the stock: Draw one card at a time. When the stock is empty, tap it to recycle the waste as often as you like. Undo includes draws; some deals are unwinnable.
- Turn the waste over: Klondike draws one card at a time and recycles the waste without limit.
- Bring a card back down: The top card of a foundation may move back onto a column when it fits there.
- Checkpoint: runs and empty columns: The King can only move to an empty column. Moving it reveals the card beneath.
Stage 3: Winning
1 step, then a checkpoint.
- Win the deal: You win when every card is on the foundations, Ace to King in each suit. Some deals can’t be won.
- Checkpoint: clear the board: Free the Queen of hearts first; then both Kings can go home.
Stage 4: Get better
4 steps, then a checkpoint. Offered once the earlier stages are done; it never blocks finishing.
- Dig where most cards hide: When two moves each turn over a card, take the one from the column with the most face-down cards. The cards you need are more likely there.
- Empty a column only for a King: An empty column is useful only when a King, with face-down cards under it, can move in. Until then, leave a lone card where it is.
- Keep a landing spot: A card on the foundation can no longer hold the next lower card. Before sending one home, check whether a column card still needs it.
- The waste card can wait: On Relaxed and Classic the waste turns over as often as you like, so a waste card comes back. A column card blocking face-down cards can’t wait.
- Checkpoint: Look at what each move uncovers: Before choosing, look at what each move uncovers. A card you can see and use now beats one face-down card you can’t.
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