Solitaire History
What Does "Klondike" Mean in Solitaire?
Klondike refers to the Klondike region of Yukon, Canada - the site of the 1896�1899 Gold Rush. The name attached to this solitaire variant in the late 19th century and has been inseparable from the game ever since.
The Klondike Gold Rush Connection
The Klondike Gold Rush brought hundreds of thousands of prospectors to the Yukon seeking fortune. Solitaire card games were a popular way for miners to pass the long, idle hours between prospecting. The variant we know today - seven tableau columns, four foundations, one stock pile - became associated with the region and eventually took its name.
The word "Klondike" in the game's name is not a reference to a specific rule but to the game's cultural origin points. It became the standard name in North America during the early 20th century.
Why It's Simply Called "Solitaire" in North America
When Microsoft bundled a Solitaire game with Windows 3.0 in 1990, they chose Klondike as the variant - but called it simply "Solitaire." For an entire generation, Klondike Solitaire became synonymous with solitaire itself. That is why most people today refer to it just as "Solitaire," even though dozens of other solitaire variants exist.
You can play the classic version at our Classic Klondike Solitaire page, or the harder draw-three variant at Klondike Turn 3.
Play the game that defined "Solitaire"
Classic Klondike Solitaire - Free Online
The same game that shipped on Windows, rebuilt for the modern web.
How Klondike Differs From Other Solitaire Variants
The Klondike rule set - seven columns, alternating-colour build-down, four suit foundations - is distinct from other solitaire families:
- Spider Solitaire uses two decks and builds in-suit sequences. Try Spider One Suit or Spider Four Suits.
- Freecell has all cards face-up from the start and uses four free cell spaces for temporary storage. Try our Freecell game.
- Pyramid, Golf, and TriPeaks are based on different elimination mechanics altogether.