What Is Yukon Solitaire?

Yukon Solitaire is a challenging variant of Klondike that removes the stock pile entirely. All 52 cards are dealt to the tableau at the start, with several cards in each column dealt face-up. The key twist: you can move any face-up card and all cards on top of it, even if the group is not in sequence.

This rule change makes Yukon more strategic and more complex than standard Klondike, as you must carefully plan moves to uncover hidden cards.

How to Play Yukon Solitaire

Setup

Tableau: 7 columns, similar to Klondike. Column 1 has 1 card; columns 2–7 have progressively more cards. Starting from column 2, each column has 5 additional face-up cards dealt on top.
Foundation: 4 piles where cards are built from Ace to King by suit.
No stock or waste pile — all cards are on the tableau from the start.

Rules

Build tableau columns in descending order with alternating colors, same as Klondike.
Move groups of face-up cards regardless of sequence. You can pick up any face-up card along with everything on top of it and move the group to a valid destination.
Move cards to foundation piles starting with Ace, building up by suit to King.
Fill empty columns with Kings only (or groups starting with a King).
Flip face-down cards when they become the top card in a column.
You win when all four foundation piles are complete.

Key Difference from Klondike

In Klondike, you can only move groups of cards that form a proper descending sequence with alternating colors. In Yukon, you can move ANY group of face-up cards, even if the cards in the group are completely out of order.

Yukon Solitaire Strategy

Tip 1: Expose Hidden Cards

With no stock pile, the only way to get new cards into play is by flipping face-down cards in the tableau. Prioritize moves that reveal hidden cards.

Tip 2: Build Foundation Early

Start moving Aces and low cards to the foundation as soon as possible. This removes cards from the tableau and simplifies the board.

Tip 3: Do Not Move Groups Carelessly

Just because you can move a large group of cards does not mean you should. Consider whether the move actually advances your position.

Tip 4: Create Empty Columns

Empty columns are extremely valuable since only Kings can fill them. Use empty columns to reorganize difficult sequences.

Tip 5: Work on Multiple Columns Simultaneously

Avoid focusing all your efforts on one column. Spread your moves across the tableau to maintain flexibility.

Yukon Solitaire Win Rate

Yukon Solitaire has a win rate of approximately 25% with skilled play, though some estimates range from 20–30%. The lack of a stock pile means every move counts, and a bad sequence of moves can make the game unsolvable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yukon Solitaire harder than Klondike?

Generally yes — the absence of a stock pile and the ability to move unsequenced groups adds both freedom and complexity.

Why can you move unordered groups in Yukon?

This rule compensates for the lack of a stock pile. Without it, the game would be nearly impossible to win.

Can you move cards back from the foundation?

In most Yukon implementations, yes — you can move a card back from the foundation to the tableau to enable other moves.