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Common Klondike Solitaire mistakes

Check common draw-one Klondike mistakes. See which runs can move, what belongs in an empty column, and how to use the waste pile and redeals.

Read the Klondike Solitaire rules

On this page

These are the usual slips in draw-one Klondike as described on our Klondike Solitaire rules page.

Rules mistakes

  • Building in the same colour. In the tableau, red goes on black and black on red.
  • Building foundations in the wrong order. A foundation starts with an ace and goes up in one suit.
  • Moving a broken run. Every card in a moved run must already descend by one and alternate colours.
  • Filling an empty column with a non-king. Only kings, or runs starting with a king, may enter an empty column.
  • Not turning a card over. When you expose a face-down card, turn it up.
  • Playing a buried waste card. Only the top waste card is available.
  • Shuffling on a redeal. Turn the waste over as a block. Shuffling changes the game.
  • Turning three stock cards. That is draw-three Klondike, a variant.

Play mistakes

  • Sending cards up too early. A middle card may need to return from the foundation to help build in the tableau; our house rules allow that legal move.
  • Emptying a column with no king ready. The empty space then does nothing for you.
  • Ignoring the stock. Cycle it to learn which cards are there before you commit to a big move.
  • Not counting hidden cards. A column with many face-down cards should get your attention first.
  • Playing too fast. Look at all visible moves before choosing one.
  • Never accepting a loss. Some deals cannot be won.

Before each move, ask

  1. Does this reveal a face-down card?
  2. Does it open a column I can fill with a king?
  3. Will I need this card in the tableau later?

Continue learning

Scoring

ScoringKlondike Solitaire results: winning and tracking gamesCheck a Klondike win, recognise a stalled draw-one game and keep a fair personal record without mixing in timed or Vegas scoring.

Beginner strategy

Beginner strategyKlondike Solitaire strategy: how to win more oftenPlan your moves in draw-one Klondike Solitaire. Uncover face-down cards, free columns for kings, and decide when to build up the foundations.

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