If you're new to Klondike Solitaire—or even if you've been playing for years—you've probably come across terms that aren't immediately obvious. From tableau and foundation to redeal and auto-move, solitaire has its own unique language that can be confusing at first.

This Klondike Solitaire Glossary is designed to be a clear, human-friendly reference specifically for Klondike players of all skill levels. Whether you're a complete beginner learning the basics or an experienced player looking to expand your knowledge, this guide focuses only on Klondike Solitaire terms and how they're used in real gameplay.

Understanding solitaire terminology isn't just about knowing definitions—it helps you think strategically about the game, follow strategy guides more effectively, and communicate with other players about techniques and moves.

A

Ace

The lowest-ranked card in solitaire, but also the most important. In Klondike, Aces are the starting point for your foundation piles. Every winning game requires moving all four Aces to the foundation first, then building upward from there. Revealing buried Aces early in the game is often a key strategic priority, which is why many players focus on clearing tableau columns to expose face-down cards.

B

Build

To place cards in a specific order according to the rules of the game. In Klondike, you're constantly "building" - either building down in the tableau or building up in the foundation. It's one of the most fundamental actions you'll perform during gameplay.

Build Down

Placing cards in descending rank order (King → Queen → Jack → 10, and so on). In Klondike, you build down on the tableau piles, and you must alternate colors (red and black) as you do. This alternating color requirement makes building down a core strategic element of the game.

Build Up

Placing cards in ascending rank order (Ace → 2 → 3 → 4, all the way up to King). In Klondike, the foundation piles are built up by suit, meaning all hearts go together in ascending order, all spades together, and so on. This is the opposite of how you build in the tableau.

C

Cascade

Another name for the tableau in some older solitaire variants, though this term is less common in Klondike. If you encounter it in guides or discussions, it's referring to the main playing area with multiple columns of cards.

Closed Card

A card that is face-down and cannot be played until it's revealed. In Klondike, your seven tableau columns start with several face-down cards on top of face-up cards. Part of the game's strategy involves deciding which face-down cards to prioritize revealing.

Column

A vertical stack of cards, usually referring to one of the seven tableau piles in Klondike. Managing your columns effectively, knowing when to move entire sequences, when to leave space for Kings, and when to focus on clearing a column is central to winning strategy.

D

Deal

To distribute cards at the beginning of the game according to the rules. In Klondike, the deal follows a specific pattern: 28 cards go to the seven tableau columns (one card per column in round 1, then one face-down card per column in round 2, then one face-up card per column in round 3, and so on). The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.

Deck

A standard 52-card set used to play solitaire. Klondike uses exactly one deck. Some solitaire variants like Spider or Freecell use different numbers of decks, but Klondike stays with the classic single deck.

Draw One

A Klondike solitaire draw mode where one card is drawn from the stock at a time. Generally considered easier and more beginner-friendly because you have more control and visibility over upcoming cards. If you're learning Klondike or want a more relaxed pace, Draw 1 is the perfect starting point.

Draw Three

A Klondike solitaire draw mode where three cards are drawn from the stock at once. Only the top card of these three can be played, adding complexity and reducing your options. This mode is significantly more challenging and is commonly used for competitive play and leaderboards. Draw 3 games have a lower win rate than Draw 1, making them ideal for players seeking a greater challenge.

Draw Count

The number of cards drawn from the stock at a time. In Klondike, you typically choose between 1-card draw (easier) or 3-card draw (harder). This single choice dramatically affects game difficulty and strategy.

F

Face-Up Card

A card that is visible and available to be played. Face-up cards are shown with their rank and suit visible, and you can interact with them (move them, play them to foundation, etc.). In contrast, face-down cards remain hidden until something above them is removed.

Foundation

One of the four goal piles in Klondike solitaire. Each foundation pile must be built by suit from Ace up to King. Successfully moving all 52 cards to the four foundation piles (one complete suit per pile) means you've won the game. The foundation is where your final moves happen and where victory is confirmed.

G

Game Won

A solitaire game is won when all 52 cards have been successfully moved to the foundation piles according to the rules. Every card must end up in the correct foundation (hearts with hearts, spades with spades, etc.), in ascending order from Ace to King. Winning feels great, but remember: not every game is winnable due to the luck of the draw and your draw mode.

H

Hidden Card

A face-down card in the tableau. Revealing hidden cards is a key strategy in Klondike because many winning moves depend on uncovering those buried cards. Sometimes the difference between a winning game and a losing one is whether you can reveal a crucial card in time. This is why experienced players often think multiple moves ahead, planning sequences that will strategically uncover high-value or low-value cards.

K

King

The highest-ranked card. In Klondike, Kings play a special role: they're the only card that can be placed in an empty tableau column. This makes Kings valuable real estate in your strategy—managing your King placements can determine whether you have space to maneuver and create the sequences you need to win.

L

Layout

The initial arrangement of cards after dealing. Each new game of Klondike has a unique layout based on how the deck was shuffled. Some layouts are "solvable" (winnable), while others are not, depending on the card order and your draw mode. This randomness is what keeps solitaire challenging and engaging across countless plays.

M

Move

Any legal action taken by the player, such as transferring a card or stack of cards from one pile to another. In Klondike, a single move might involve moving a Queen and the cards below it from one tableau column to another, or playing a single Ace to the foundation. Every move counts toward your total move count, which affects your score in many solitaire variants.

R

Reset Stock

When the waste pile is turned back into the stock pile after it has been exhausted. Depending on the Klondike rules you're playing with, this reset may be allowed unlimited times, limited to a specific number of resets, or not allowed at all. The number of allowed resets significantly affects game difficulty—more resets mean more chances to find the cards you need.

Redeal

Shuffling and redealing the stock pile after it has been exhausted. Some classic Klondike games allow limited redeals (often 1 or 3), while others allow unlimited cycling through the stock. The limitation on redeals adds strategic pressure—once you've cycled through the deck multiple times, your options become more limited.

S

Sequence

A group of cards arranged in a specific order. In Klondike, a valid tableau sequence consists of cards in descending rank with alternating colors. For example, 10 of hearts, 9 of clubs, 8 of diamonds, 7 of spades is a valid sequence. You can move entire sequences together, which is one of the most powerful strategies in the game.

Stock

The pile of undealt cards that players draw from during the game. In Klondike, the stock pile contains 24 cards after the initial deal. When you click "Draw," cards move from the stock to the waste pile. Managing your stock carefully—thinking about which cards are coming and planning ahead—is a mark of skilled solitaire play.

Suit

One of the four card types: Hearts (♥), Diamonds (♦), Clubs (♣), or Spades (♠). In Klondike, foundation piles are built by suit, meaning all cards in a foundation pile must be of the same suit. Red suits (hearts and diamonds) and black suits (clubs and spades) are used for color alternation in the tableau.

T

Tableau

The main playing area where cards are arranged in seven columns. Most gameplay happens here. The tableau is where you build sequences in descending order with alternating colors. Strategic decisions about which cards to move, which columns to focus on, and where to create space all revolve around your tableau management.

Turnover

Flipping a face-down card face-up, usually by removing the cards above it and making it playable. Turnovers are moments of excitement in solitaire—you never know what card you're about to reveal, and sometimes a single turnover can change your entire game from unwinnable to winnable.

U

Undo

A game feature that allows players to reverse previous moves. Undo is incredibly helpful for learning the game, experimenting with different strategies, and recovering from accidental misclicks. Many modern solitaire games support multiple levels of undo, letting you go back several moves at once.

W

Waste Pile

The pile where cards from the stock are placed after being drawn. In Klondike, only the top card of the waste pile is playable (unless you're drawing 3, in which case you see the top card). The waste pile acts as a "buffer" between your stock and the playable cards, adding strategic depth to every draw.

Why Understanding Solitaire Terms Matters

Knowing solitaire terminology makes the game more enjoyable and strategic. It helps you:

• Read guides and tutorials without getting lost in unfamiliar vocabulary
• Think strategically about your moves and plan ahead
• Communicate with other players about techniques, strategies, and memorable games
• Compare different solitaire variants and understand their unique rules
• Improve your skills by understanding the "why" behind strategic recommendations

If you're aiming to improve your skills—or compete on leaderboards—understanding these terms gives you a real edge. You'll think more clearly about your moves, anticipate challenges better, and develop winning strategies.

Klondike Solitaire FAQ

What is Klondike Solitaire?

Klondike Solitaire is the most popular version of solitaire, played with a single 52-card deck. The goal is to move all cards to the foundation piles, building by suit from Ace to King. It's the version most people think of when they hear "solitaire," and it remains the gold standard for card game puzzles.

What is the tableau in Klondike Solitaire?

The tableau is the main playing area made up of seven columns. Cards are built downward in alternating colors, and most strategic decisions happen here. Understanding your tableau is key to becoming a skilled player.

What is the difference between Draw 1 and Draw 3 in Klondike?

In Draw 1, one card is drawn from the stock at a time, making the game easier because you have full visibility and more moves available. In Draw 3, three cards are drawn at once (only the top is playable), increasing difficulty and reducing available moves. Draw 3 requires more strategic foresight and patience.

What is the stock and waste pile?

The stock is the pile of undealt cards. When cards are drawn from the stock, they are placed into the waste pile, where only the top card is playable. This two-step system creates interesting strategic depth.

Can you move cards back from the foundation?

In many Klondike Solitaire games, cards can be moved back from the foundation to the tableau. This is often necessary for advanced strategies and improving win chances. However, this varies by implementation—some versions don't allow moving cards backward, so check your specific game's rules.

Is every Klondike Solitaire game winnable?

No. Some Klondike Solitaire deals are unwinnable due to card order and draw limitations. Draw 3 games have a significantly lower win rate than Draw 1 games (roughly 80% for Draw 1 vs. 15-20% for Draw 3). This mathematical reality is part of what makes solitaire challenging and rewarding.

What happens when the stock runs out?

When the stock is exhausted, the waste pile may be turned back into the stock, depending on the game rules. Some games limit how many times this reset is allowed (0, 1, 3, or unlimited), which dramatically affects your strategy and winning chances.

What is considered a legal move in Klondike Solitaire?

A legal move follows the game rules: building down in alternating colors in the tableau, building up by suit in the foundation, and placing Kings in empty columns. Understanding these rules is fundamental to playing correctly and strategically.