Klondike vs. Solitaire — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
Klondike is a version of Solitaire involving seven tableau piles and a deck, focusing on card sequencing and suits, while Solitaire refers to any single-player card game, including Klondike.
Difference Between Klondike and Solitaire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Klondike is a popular variant of Solitaire, characterized by its specific setup of seven tableau piles that increase in size from one to seven cards, starting from left to right. The goal is to move all cards to four foundation piles, each starting with an Ace and building up in suit sequence. Whereas, Solitaire encompasses a broad category of single-player card games, with Klondike being one of the most recognized versions among them. Solitaire games vary greatly in rules, objectives, and setups.
In Klondike, the game begins with a shuffled deck, where 28 cards are dealt into the tableau piles and the remaining cards form the stockpile, used to draw cards into play. Conversely, Solitaire games can have different starting arrangements and use of the deck. For example, in FreeCell, another Solitaire variant, all 52 cards are dealt face-up at the start into eight tableau piles, and the goal is to build up foundation piles similarly, but with the entire deck visible from the beginning.
Klondike Solitaire requires players to alternate colors when arranging the tableau piles in descending order, which introduces a strategic element of planning moves in advance. On the other hand, some Solitaire games may have different rules for card arrangement. For instance, Spider Solitaire involves arranging cards in descending order but does not require alternating colors, focusing instead on completing a sequence of the same suit to move it to a foundation.
The challenge in Klondike lies in the limited moves available and the luck of the draw from the stockpile, making some games unwinnable. In contrast, other Solitaire games like FreeCell are known for being solvable almost every time, due to the visibility of all cards from the start and specific rules that allow for more strategic planning and less reliance on luck.
Klondike's popularity surged in the digital era, becoming synonymous with Solitaire in many computer versions. However, the term Solitaire itself encompasses a wide variety of card games beyond Klondike, each with its unique rules and challenges, demonstrating the diversity and adaptability of Solitaire as a genre.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A variant of Solitaire with seven tableau piles.
Any single-player card game.
Setup
Seven tableau piles, stockpile, and foundation piles.
Varies greatly among games.
Objective
Move all cards to foundation piles in suit sequence.
Generally to arrange cards in a specific order or layout.
Rules for Card Arrangement
Alternating colors in descending order in tableau.
Rules vary; may not require alternating colors.
Visibility of Cards
Some face-down, revealed through gameplay.
Can range from all face-up to a mix of face-up and face-down.
Luck vs. Strategy
Mix of both, with some games unwinnable.
Depends on the variant; some rely more on strategy.
Compare with Definitions
Klondike
Known for its mix of luck and strategy in gameplay.
Winning in Klondike often depends on the initial card layout.
Solitaire
Refers to any single-player card game with various rules and objectives.
He spent the afternoon exploring different Solitaire games.
Klondike
Requires building foundation piles starting with an Ace.
She completed a foundation pile in Klondike with the King of Hearts.
Solitaire
Often involves arranging cards in specific layouts or sequences.
The goal in most Solitaire games is to sort the cards in order.
Klondike
A Solitaire game where cards are arranged in alternating colors and descending order.
She enjoys playing Klondike to relax.
Solitaire
Can be played with a standard deck of 52 cards.
She used a standard deck to play a new Solitaire game.
Klondike
Features seven tableau piles increasing in size from one to seven cards.
In Klondike, he strategizes to uncover face-down cards in the tableau.
Solitaire
Can include games like Klondike, FreeCell, and Spider Solitaire.
Among all Solitaire games, she preferred Spider Solitaire.
Klondike
Became widely popular as a digital game.
Klondike Solitaire was her favorite game on the computer.
Solitaire
Enjoys popularity both in physical and digital formats.
Solitaire games are a hit both as physical card games and on computers.
Klondike
A form of solitaire in which 28 cards are laid out in seven piles and the player moves through the remainder of the deck one or three cards at a time. The objective is to remove the aces and build sequential stacks sorted by suit ascending up to king.
Solitaire
Solitaire is any tabletop game which one can play by oneself, usually with cards, but also with dominoes. The term "solitaire" is also used for single-player games of concentration and skill using a set layout tiles, pegs or stones.
Klondike
Alternative form of Klondike
Solitaire
A gem, such as a diamond, that is set alone.
Klondike
To export fresh fish (usually herring or mackerel) rather than pickled ones.
Solitaire
(Games) Any of a number of card games played by one person, especially Klondike.
Klondike
A region in northwestern Canada where gold was discovered in 1896 but exhausted by 1910
Solitaire
Any of several thrushes found in the Americas and noted for having a beautiful song.
Klondike
A form of solitaire that begins with seven piles of cards with the top cards facing up; descending sequences of cards of alternating colors are built on these piles; as aces become available they are placed above the seven piles; the object is to build sequences in suit from ace to king as the remaining cards are dealt out one at a time
Solitaire
A large flightless bird (Pezophaps solitaria) of the Mascarene Islands that was closely related to the dodo and became extinct by the end of the 1700s.
Solitaire
A large flightless bird (Threskiornis solitarius) of Réunion Island, once thought to be related to the dodo but now regarded as a type of ibis. It became extinct in the early 1700s.
Solitaire
A person who lives alone; a recluse or hermit.
Solitaire
A game for one person, played on a board with pegs or balls, in which the object is, beginning with all the places filled except one, to remove all but one of the pieces by "jumping", as in draughts.
Solitaire
Any of various card games that can be played by one person. Called patience in the rest of the world.
Solitaire
An extinct bird, related to the dodo, Pezophaps solitaria Rodrigues solitaire), that lived on the island of Rodrigues.
Solitaire
An extinct bird formerly believed to be related to the dodo, more precisely Réunion solitaire, Raphus solitarius, now preferably Réunion ibis, Threskiornis solitarius.
Solitaire
One of several American species of bird in the genus Myadestes in the thrush family.
Solitaire
A single gem, usually a diamond, mounted in a piece of jewellery by itself.
Solitaire
(obsolete) A black neck ribbon worn with a bag wig in the 18th century.
Solitaire
Living or being alone; solitary
Solitaire
A person who lives in solitude; a recluse; a hermit.
Solitaire
A single diamond in a setting; also, sometimes, a precious stone of any kind set alone.
Diamond solitaires blazing on his breast and wrists.
Solitaire
A game which one person can play alone; - applied to many games of cards, etc.; also, to a game played on a board with pegs or balls, in which the object is, beginning with all the places filled except one, to remove all but one of the pieces by "jumping," as in draughts.
Solitaire
A large extinct bird (Pezophaps solitaria) which formerly inhabited the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigeuz. It was larger and taller than the wild turkey. Its wings were too small for flight. Called also solitary.
Solitaire
A gem (usually a diamond) in a setting by itself
Solitaire
Extinct flightless bird related to the dodo
Solitaire
Dull gray North American thrushes noted for its beautiful song
Solitaire
A card game played by one person
Common Curiosities
Can all Solitaire games be won?
No, not all games can be won; the possibility of winning varies by the type of Solitaire and the initial deal of the cards.
Are there multiplayer Solitaire games?
While Solitaire is traditionally single-player, some variations and board games introduce multiplayer elements.
Can I play Solitaire with tarot cards?
While unconventional, Solitaire games can be adapted to different types of card decks, including tarot cards, with some modifications to the rules.
Why is Solitaire so popular?
Its simplicity, the challenge it offers, and the fact that it can be played alone make Solitaire a popular choice for many.
Is Klondike the same as traditional Solitaire?
Yes, Klondike is often what people refer to as traditional Solitaire, especially in digital versions.
Do you need a special deck to play Solitaire?
Most Solitaire games, including Klondike, can be played with a standard 52-card deck.
What's the difference between Klondike Solitaire and FreeCell?
Klondike involves hidden cards and a mix of luck and strategy, while FreeCell allows visibility of all cards from the start, focusing more on strategy.
Are there any Solitaire tournaments?
Yes, there are online and in-person Solitaire tournaments for various versions, including Klondike.
How do you shuffle for Solitaire?
You shuffle a standard 52-card deck as you would for any card game, ensuring randomness for the game's start.
What makes Klondike Solitaire challenging?
The challenge comes from the limited moves and the luck of drawing cards that fit into the tableau and foundation piles.
How many cards are used in Klondike Solitaire?
Klondike Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck.
What's the best strategy for Klondike Solitaire?
A good strategy involves exposing hidden cards and creating empty tableau piles for more maneuverability of the cards.
Is Solitaire good for your brain?
Yes, playing Solitaire can help improve concentration, patience, and strategic thinking.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
