How to Set Up Solitaire

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Classic Solitaire refers to Klondike Solitaire, and for many people, the term “Solitaire” is simply synonymous with Klondike. There are, though, many different types of Solitaire. Today, we will mostly be focussing on the classic Solitaire so let’s dive right into it.

Basic Terms of Solitaire

Klondike Solitaire, and most forms of the game, feature tableau piles, a stockpile, a waste pile, and foundation piles.

• Tableau: Tableau piles are where most of the actual game is played, and a game of Klondike Solitaire Turn 1 will use seven tableau piles.
• Stockpile: The remaining cards in the deck are dealt to the stockpile, which is usually placed in the top left corner.
• Waste pile: Next to the stockpile is a waste pile, where any cards taken from the stockpile are dealt. The waste pile will, of course, be empty when the game starts. 
• Foundation: Finally, you will also start the game with four empty foundation piles. These are usually above the tableau cards and on the right side of the stockpile.

How to Deal Solitaire

The aim of the game is simple: with a standard deck of 52 cards, you must arrange all cards into the foundations starting from ace and ascending up in value for each suit. So, shuffle the deck, and let's get to the Solitaire set up.

Step 1: Deal a Row of Seven Cards

Start by dealing the first card face up to the left side. Next, deal six additional cards face down in a line to the right of the initial card.

Step 2: Deal Six Cards Starting on the Second Pile

Then, place one card face up on the second pile and proceed to distribute five additional cards face down to the right, one atop each of the subsequent five stacks.

Step 3: Continue This Pattern

Continue this pattern until each pile has a face-up card on top, and the piles increase in size from one card on the far left to seven cards on the far right.

Step 4: Create a Stockpile

The remaining cards in the deck are dealt to the stockpile, which is usually placed face down in the top left corner. 

Step 5: Set Aside an Area for the Waste Pile

This space is initially empty but will hold cards from the stock that are turned over but not immediately used in the tableau or moved to a foundation.

Step 6: Create a Space for the Foundation

In the upper right corner, create a space for four foundation piles. These piles are not initially set up with any cards but will be built up during the game in ascending order (ace to king) by suit.

Step 7: Start Playing Solitaire

Now that you know how to set up Solitaire you can begin the game. The Solitaire rules are very simple and yet you can play it for hours without getting bored with the game. 

• Moving Cards in the Tableau: Cards can be moved between tableau columns to form descending sequences with alternating colors. Empty tableau piles can only be filled with kings or sequences that begin with a king.
• Turning Over Stock Cards: You can turn over cards from the stock to the waste one at a time, looking for opportunities to use them in the tableau or move them to the foundations.
• Using the Waste: You can move the top card from the waste to the tableau or the foundations as needed.

Keep in mind, it's not possible to win every Solitaire game. It often requires both strategy and luck to successfully clear the tableau and fill the foundations.

Are You Ready to Play?

Now that you have learned how to set up Solitaire and its basic rules, why not join the millions of fans of this fascinating game? Start playing the classic Solitaire game or try its different variations right now.

Solitaire Turn One

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Solitaire Turn Three

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Solitaires Team

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