How to Play Yukon Solitaire
Yukon Solitaire is a challenging variant of Klondike where all 52 cards are dealt to the tableau with no stock pile. Its defining feature is that any face-up card can be moved regardless of the sequence below it, creating unique strategic possibilities. This freedom of movement makes Yukon feel more dynamic than Klondike, but the lack of a stock pile means you must work entirely with what is on the table.
About Yukon Solitaire
Yukon Solitaire takes everything you know about Klondike and turns it up a notch. All 52 cards are dealt to the tableau from the start — there is no stock pile, no safety net, and no second chances. What you see is what you work with. This makes Yukon a game of pure tableau management where every move must be carefully considered.
The game's signature rule sets it apart from all other solitaire variants: you can move any face-up card regardless of the sequence below it, and all cards stacked on top of it come along for the ride. This means you can grab a card buried deep in a column along with everything piled on it, creating dramatic shifts in the game layout. While this freedom opens up possibilities that do not exist in Klondike, it also makes it tempting to create larger messes than you solve.
Yukon builds on Klondike's alternating-color descending tableau rule and same-suit ascending foundation rule, but the ability to move any face-up card creates a completely different strategic experience. With a win rate of roughly 25% for experienced players, Yukon rewards bold moves, long-range planning, and the patience to untangle complex card arrangements.
1Game Setup
- 1Shuffle a standard 52-card deck.
- 2Deal seven tableau columns like Klondike: 1 card in the first column, 2 in the second, up to 7 in the seventh.
- 3Turn the top card of each column face-up.
- 4Deal the remaining 24 cards face-up across columns 2-7 (4 extra cards per column).
- 5There is no stock pile or waste pile — all cards are in the tableau.
2Rules
- 1Build tableau columns in descending order with alternating colors (e.g., black 6 on red 7).
- 2Any face-up card can be moved to another column, regardless of the cards on top of it. All cards on top of the moved card come along.
- 3This is the key difference from Klondike: you do not need a valid sequence to move a group of cards.
- 4When a face-down card is uncovered, flip it face-up.
- 5Only Kings (or groups starting with a King) can be placed on empty columns.
- 6Build foundations by suit in ascending order: Ace, 2, 3, ... King.
- 7Win by moving all 52 cards to the four foundation piles.
- 8You can move a face-up card even if the cards above it are not in sequence.
- 9Moving a card also moves every card on top of it in the column.
- 10There are no stock draws — all strategic decisions involve rearranging the tableau.
- 11The game is lost when no valid moves remain and foundations are incomplete.
- 12A face-down card is automatically revealed when it becomes the top card after a move.
!Strategy Tips
- Prioritize uncovering face-down cards. This is even more important than in Klondike since there is no stock pile to draw from.
- Use the free movement rule aggressively. Moving a face-up card from deep in a column can uncover hidden cards.
- Build foundations steadily, but do not rush. Cards in the tableau may be needed for uncovering sequences.
- Empty columns are valuable — use them strategically for Kings.
- Think several moves ahead. Yukon rewards careful planning more than Klondike.
- Try to avoid blocking useful cards. Check what is underneath before placing cards on a column.
- Look for opportunities to move cards that expose multiple face-down cards in a single move.
- Kings are extremely important. Plan your empty columns around which Kings you can access.
- Do not get tunnel vision. Scan all seven columns for opportunities before committing to a move.
- Sometimes moving a "bad" sequence (mixed, unordered cards) on top of a valid card is worthwhile if it uncovers a critical hidden card.
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Yukon and Klondike Solitaire?
Yukon has no stock pile (all cards are dealt), and any face-up card can be moved regardless of the sequence below it. Klondike has a stock pile and requires valid sequences to move card groups.
Is Yukon Solitaire harder than Klondike?
Yukon is generally considered harder because there is no stock pile. However, the flexible movement rules provide strategic opportunities not found in Klondike. Win rates are roughly similar for skilled players.
Can you always win Yukon Solitaire?
No. Like Klondike, not every deal is winnable. Estimated win rates for Yukon are around 80% for theoretically solvable deals, but practical win rates are lower.
Can I move any face-up card in Yukon?
Yes. Unlike Klondike, you can move any face-up card regardless of whether the cards above it form a valid sequence. All cards on top of the moved card come along for the ride.
Why are there no stock or waste piles in Yukon?
All 52 cards are dealt to the tableau at the start. The extra 24 cards (that would be in the stock in Klondike) are dealt face-up across columns 2-7 instead.
What happens when I empty a column in Yukon?
Only a King (or a group of cards starting with a King) can be placed on an empty column. Empty columns are valuable strategic resources.
Is Yukon good for beginners?
Yukon is better suited for players with some solitaire experience. If you are new, start with Klondike or one-suit Spider, then try Yukon once you are comfortable with tableau management.
How is Yukon scored?
Scoring varies by implementation. In our version, you earn points for moving cards to foundations and for efficient play. The primary goal is completing the game rather than maximizing score.