Quick answer: In Klondike solitaire, you build four foundation piles from Ace to King by suit, moving cards between seven columns in alternating colors. In TriPeaks solitaire, you clear three card pyramids by tapping cards one rank higher or lower than the top waste card, ignoring suit. Klondike is slower and strategic; TriPeaks is faster and streak-based.
Klondike vs TriPeaks at a glance
| Klondike | TriPeaks | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Move all cards to 4 foundations (Ace to King by suit) | Clear all cards from 3 peaks |
| Main rule | Build columns down in alternating colors | Play a card 1 higher or 1 lower than the waste card |
| Does suit matter? | Yes | No |
| Game length | 5 to 15 minutes | 2 to 5 minutes |
| Best for | Planning and patience | Quick sessions and combos |
| Play free | Solitaire Social: Jungle Edition | Emily's Hotel Solitaire, Hotel Haven Solitaire |
How to play Klondike solitaire
- Deal 7 columns: 1 card in the first, up to 7 in the last. Only the top card of each column is face up.
- Move face-up cards onto a card one rank higher and the opposite color (a red 6 on a black 7).
- When you move a face-up card away, flip the face-down card under it.
- Only a King (or a stack starting with a King) can go into an empty column.
- Move Aces to the foundations as soon as they appear, then build up by suit to the King.
- When stuck, draw from the stock pile (1 or 3 cards at a time, depending on the setting).
How to play TriPeaks solitaire
- Cards are dealt into three overlapping pyramids. The bottom row is face up.
- One card starts face up on the waste pile.
- Tap any uncovered card that is one rank higher or lower than the waste card. Suit does not matter. In most versions, King and Ace connect.
- Each played card becomes the new waste card, so you can build long streaks.
- When no card fits, draw a new card from the stock.
- Clear all three peaks to win the round.
Tips to win more Klondike games
- Flip face-down cards first; uncovering hidden cards matters more than anything.
- Do not empty a column unless a King is ready to move into it.
- Play from the longest face-down column first.
Tips to win more TriPeaks games
- Look for the longest possible chain before you tap.
- Prefer cards that uncover face-down cards beneath them.
- Save the stock: every extra draw lowers your chance of clearing the board.
Frequently asked questions
1. Which solitaire is easiest?
- TriPeaks is easier to learn and faster to play. Klondike takes more planning.
2. Can every Klondike game be won?
- No. Some deals cannot be solved, even with perfect play.
3. Does suit matter in TriPeaks?
- No, only the card rank matters.
4. Can I play solitaire online without downloading?
- Yes, all three solitaire games on Unique100 play free in your browser.
Play next: Try UNO Rush, Mahjong Tile Match or Memory Match.
