Objective of the Game
The objective of Klondike is to build four foundation piles of the same suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Setup
- Deck: A standard deck of 52 cards without Jokers is used.
- Playing Field: Set up seven columns of cards (known as "tableaus"). The first column has one card, the second has two cards, and so forth, until the seventh column has seven cards. Turn the bottom card of each column face up.
- The remaining cards form the stockpile.
Gameplay
- Basic Moves: Cards can be moved between tableaus by arranging them in descending order and alternating colors (e.g., black King, red Queen, black Jack).
- Turning Up Cards: When a face-down card is revealed by moving the card over it, turn it face up.
- Stockpile: Draw one or three cards (depending on variant) from the stockpile whenever you can't or don't want to make any more moves. The drawn card can then be placed on the tableaus or the foundations.
- Empty Spaces: Only a King or a pile beginning with a King can be placed into an empty tableau column.
- Foundation Piles: Cards are placed here in suit and ascending order, beginning with Aces.
Strategic Tips
- Tableau Management: Prioritize revealing face-down cards, as new moves become available with each card revealed.
- Manage your Stockpile Wisely: Plan in advance to maximize future moves, especially if drawing three cards at a time.
- Use Empty Spots Strategically: Empty spaces are quite valuable, as only Kings or King-beginning sequences can occupy them. Wait to utilize them until it offers the most strategic advantage.
Enjoy playing Klondike! It challenges both skill and a little luck to successfully complete.
