Klondike Solitaire
Description
This is probably the best-known solitaire in the world. Many people don't even realize that other games exist. Though the name may not be familiar, the game itself certainly is. This is due in no small part to Microsoft's inclusion of the the game in every version of Windows, though their naming the game "Microsoft Solitaire" only added to the confusion about the game's proper name.
Though popular, the odds of winning are rather low, perhaps one in thirty hands. Numerous variations have been devised to improve the odds.
Rules
Number of Decks: 1
Alternate Names: Canfield, Chinaman, Demon, Fascination, Small Triangle
Initial Layout: The tableau consists of seven columns, with the first colum containing one card, the second column two cards, the third column three cards, and so on. The top card of each column is face-up; the remainder of the cards are face-down. The 24 unplayed cards are left face-down to form the stock.
Object: The object of the game is to move the four aces, as they appear, to the foundations, and build each up in suit from ace to king (A-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K).
Play: Turn cards face-up from the stock three at a time onto a wastepile. The top card of the wastepile may be played onto the tableau or foudations. Likewise, the top card of each tableau pile is available for play onto the foundations or another tableau pile. Cards within the tableau may be build down in sequence and alternating color. A sequence of cards may be moved as a unit from one pile to another. When a face-down tableau card is exposed, turn it face-up. If a space is created in the tableau, it may only be filled with a king. The stock may be recycled from the wastepile when it becomes empty. The game ends when either all foundations are filled (in which case you've won), or when no more moves are possible (or when the only possible move is to recycle the stock). In this case you've lost.
A slightly easier version of the game allows you to pull cards from the stock one at a time (rather than three at a time). In some versions of the game, this also limits the number of redeals you're allowed (usually to two).
Variations
- Thumb And Pouch - Same as Klondike, except that that tableau building does not require building in alternate colors, only in different suits. Also, any card or sequence can be moved into a space (rather than just kings).
- Whitehead - Very similar to Klondike, except that after dealing out the twenty-eight cards to form the triangular shape of the tableau (all cards are dealt face-up), the twenty-ninth card forms the basis of the first foundation. All other foundations must also start with the same card value. Cards are pulled from the deck one at a time; there is no redeal. Within the tableau, cards are built downwards in color. A sequence of cards in suit may be moved as a block. Spaces within the tableau may be filled by any card.
- Double Klondike - Plays exactly like Klondike except that it uses two decks, eight foundations, and nine tableau piles. Pull cards from the stock three at a time (harder) or one at a time (easier).
