How to play Solitaire

The objective

Your goal is simple: arrange a shuffled deck into four ordered suit foundations. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A standard 52-card deck.

How to set up

1. Deal seven tableau columns with one through seven cards.
2. Turn only each column’s top card face up; place the remainder as stock.

How to play: step by step

1. Build tableau columns downward in alternating colors.
2. Move available aces to foundations and build each suit upward.
3. Turn hidden tableau cards face up when uncovered.
4. Win by moving all cards to the foundations.

Beginner strategies

• Reveal hidden cards before making less useful moves.
• Keep empty columns available for kings.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Moving cards to foundations too quickly.
• Ignoring moves that expose face-down cards.

Frequently asked questions