Rules & strategy
Klondike Solitaire: Draw 1 vs. Draw 3
Klondike combines visible choices with hidden cards. Your first aim is usually to uncover more of the tableau while building four suit foundations. Idea2Play currently plays Draw 1; Draw 3 is explained here to help distinguish versions you may have seen elsewhere.
By Idea2Play · 2 min read · Updated
Learn the two building directions
Foundations build upward in the same suit, starting with an Ace. The seven tableau columns build downward in alternating colors. Only face-up cards can move, and a correctly ordered face-up sequence can move together.
Only a King, or an ordered sequence headed by a King, may fill an empty tableau column. Uncovering a face-down card turns it face up automatically. Foundation cards stay placed in this version unless you use Undo.
What changes between Draw 1 and Draw 3?
Draw 1 reveals one stock card into the waste. Only the top waste card is playable, so drawing another card temporarily covers the previous one. Idea2Play lets you recycle the waste into the stock without shuffling.
Draw 3 commonly turns up to three stock cards at once, with only the top card available. Playing that top card can expose another card in the packet. This changes access and planning; redeal limits depend on the particular version. Idea2Play does not currently offer a Draw 3 switch.
Prefer a move that opens information
When two moves are legal, compare what each uncovers. A move that reveals a hidden card may give you more options than shifting a card between already open columns.
Three habits for a first game
A clear column is useful only when you have a King to put there. Avoid clearing a column merely for the appearance of space.
- Check the tableau and top waste card before drawing again.
- Remember which useful cards are covered in the waste for the next pass.
- Use Relaxed or Standard to explore with Hint and Undo; Challenge disables those assists.
Try it at the table
Pick one idea from the guide and try it in a game. You can play without an account.