Klondike is the most common solitaire game, and AARP Games offers a free online version

Klondike solitaire is the card game most people mean when they say "solitaire." You shuffle a single deck, lay out seven piles in a row, and move cards between piles and a foundation area, trying to build four complete suits from ace to king. AARP Games hosts a free version you can play in your browser without downloading anything or creating an account.

The game is turn-based, so there is no timer pushing you to hurry. You can take as long as you want to plan your next move. If you get stuck, you can undo moves one at a time, or restart the game and try a different strategy.

AARP Games also tracks your win rate and streak, so you can see how you improve over time. The site stores this information in your browser, so your stats stay with you if you play on the same device.

Key Takeaways

  • Klondike on AARP Games is free and requires no account, read, or sign-up.
  • The game has no time limit, so you can think through each move without pressure.
  • You can undo individual moves or restart a game at any point.
  • Your win rate and winning streak are saved automatically in your browser.
  • The rules are the same as physical Klondike solitaire, so skills transfer between the card table and the screen.

How to reach Klondike on AARP Games

Go to games.aarp.org and search for "Klondike" in the search box at the top of the page. The game appears in the results when ready. Click on it and the game loads in your browser.

You do not need to log in or create an AARP account to play. The game works whether you are signed in or not. If you do sign in with an AARP account, your stats will sync across devices, so your win streak follows you from your phone to your computer.

The basic rules and how to win

At the start, seven piles of cards sit in a row. The first pile has one card face-up, the second has one card face-down and one face-up, the third has two face-down and one face-up, and so on. The remaining cards form a draw pile on the left.

Your goal is to move all 52 cards into four foundation piles, one for each suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades), stacked from ace at the bottom to king at the top. You build the foundation piles by moving cards from the seven piles or from the draw pile. You can only move a card to the foundation if it is the next card in sequence for that suit.

In the seven piles, you can move a card or a group of cards to another pile if the card you are moving is one rank lower and the opposite color from the card it lands on. For example, you can move a red 6 onto a black 7. You can also move a king to an empty pile.

When you run out of moves in the seven piles, you draw from the draw pile. The draw pile cycles through once or three times, depending on the version you are playing—AARP Games usually offers the three-cycle version, which is harder but gives you more chances.

Moving cards and building your strategy

Click on any card to select it. If the card can move to the foundation, it moves automatically. If it can move to one of the seven piles, a valid landing spot lights up. Click the spot where you want to place it.

A good strategy is to expose face-down cards early, because you cannot move them until they are face-up. Try to empty a pile so you have a space for a king, which gives you room to maneuver. Avoid moving cards to the foundation too early if they might be useful in the seven piles—sometimes you need a card in the piles to unblock other moves.

The draw pile works differently depending on the game mode. In the three-cycle mode, you draw one card at a time and can cycle through the entire pile three times. In the one-cycle mode, you get only one pass through the draw pile. AARP Games usually defaults to three-cycle, which is more forgiving for newer players.

Using undo and restart

If you make a move you regret, click the undo button (usually an arrow pointing left) to take it back. You can undo as many moves as you want, one at a time, all the way back to the start of the game.

If you want to start over completely, click the restart button. This clears the board and deals a new game. Your win rate and streak are not affected by restarting—only by finishing a game or running out of moves.

Understanding your stats and win rate

AARP Games tracks how many games you have won and how many you have played, and displays your win percentage. It also shows your current winning streak—how many games in a row you have won without a loss.

These stats are stored in your browser's memory. If you clear your browser history or cookies, your stats may reset. If you sign in with an AARP account, your stats are saved to your account instead and will appear on any device where you log in.

The win rate for Klondike solitaire varies widely depending on the version and your skill. Not every game is winnable, even with perfect play, so a win rate of 30 to 40 percent is common for experienced players.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the game is not loading, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If you are using an older browser, update it to the latest version. AARP Games works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

If your stats disappeared, check whether you are signed in to the same AARP account you used before. If you are playing without an account, your stats are tied to that specific browser and device. Switching browsers or clearing cookies will erase them.

If a card is not moving when you click it, make sure the move is legal. A card can only move to the foundation if it is the next card in sequence, and it can only move to the seven piles if it is one rank lower and the opposite color from the card below it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AARP membership to play Klondike on AARP Games?

No. AARP Games is free and open to anyone. You do not need an AARP membership or an AARP account to play. Creating an account is optional and only needed if you want your stats to sync across devices.

Can I play Klondike on my phone or tablet?

Yes. AARP Games works on phones and tablets through a web browser. The game is not available as a separate app, but you can bookmark the page on your home screen for quick access. Touch controls work the same way as mouse clicks.

Is there a time limit for each move?

No. Klondike on AARP Games has no timer or time pressure. You can take as long as you want to plan and make each move.

What is the difference between one-cycle and three-cycle Klondike?

In one-cycle, you draw through the deck once and then you are done. In three-cycle, you can draw through the entire deck three times. Three-cycle is easier because you get more chances to find the cards you need. AARP Games usually offers three-cycle by default.

Can I play against other people?

Klondike on AARP Games is a single-player game. You play against the deck, not against other players. AARP Games does offer other games with multiplayer options if you are interested in competing with others.