Klondike Solitaire Rules

What Does Tableau Mean in Solitaire?

The tableau is the main playing area - the seven columns of cards at the center of the board in Klondike Solitaire. Most of the game's strategy takes place here. Understanding the tableau is the key to winning both Turn 1 and Turn 3 Solitaire.

Tableau: Definition and Layout

The word "tableau" comes from the French word for "table" or "picture." In card game terminology, it refers to the main playing field where cards are arranged and manipulated. In Klondike Solitaire, the tableau consists of seven columns:

  • Column 1: 1 card (face up)
  • Column 2: 2 cards (1 face down, 1 face up)
  • Column 3: 3 cards (2 face down, 1 face up)
  • Column 4: 4 cards (3 face down, 1 face up)
  • Column 5: 5 cards (4 face down, 1 face up)
  • Column 6: 6 cards (5 face down, 1 face up)
  • Column 7: 7 cards (6 face down, 1 face up)

That is 28 of the 52 cards. The remaining 24 go to the stock pile.

The Four Zones of a Klondike Layout

The full game board has four distinct zones:

  1. Tableau - the seven main columns (described above)
  2. Foundation - four piles in the top-right, one per suit, built Ace to King
  3. Stock - the face-down pile you draw from
  4. Waste pile - the face-up discard area next to the stock

See the tableau in action

Play Klondike Solitaire - Free Online

All zones are clearly labelled. Start a game and explore the layout.

Play Solitaire Now Try Draw Three Mode

Tableau Management: The Core Skill

Effective tableau management is what separates strong players from weak ones. The goals are straightforward:

  • Reveal all face-down cards as quickly as possible
  • Build valid descending alternating-colour sequences
  • Create empty columns for King placements
  • Avoid locking sequences that block foundation plays

In Turn 3 Klondike, good tableau management also means timing moves to correctly phase the stock cycle, which adds a layer of complexity absent from Turn 1.

Related Guides