How Do You Choose Between Two Black Eights in Klondike?
Choose the black Eight that improves access while preserving a destination for the red Seven you still need. Compare the cards beneath both Eights.
When 8♣ and 8♠ are both available, compare what happens after a red Seven is placed. The suits do not affect tableau legality, but the two Eights may expose different cards, occupy different columns, and be needed by different Sevens.
A strong choice solves the current move without removing the only destination for the next one.
Use the Eight that opens more
Suppose 7♥ can go onto either black Eight. Moving 8♠ previously exposed no hidden card and its column is fully open; 8♣ still covers a face-down card that can be reached if its current tail moves elsewhere. In that position, placing 7♥ on 8♠ keeps the 8♣ line available for the reveal.
In a different layout, 8♣ may itself be the movable card covering a hidden card. Then moving 8♣ onto 9♦ before placing the Seven can be the better sequence.
Reserve a parent for the other red Seven
If 7♦ is in the waste and will soon become available, do not use the only accessible black Eight for 7♥ while the other black Eight is buried or occupied. A black Eight can receive only one Seven directly, so keep a second black Eight free for the other red Seven.
For example, place 7♥ on 8♣ and reserve 8♠ for 7♦ when doing so creates two movable columns rather than one long blocked stack.
Check the cards below each Eight
An Eight that carries 7♥–6♣ may be more expensive to move than a bare Eight. Conversely, moving the longer legal sequence can clear its source column in one action. Count the whole moved tail, not only the Eight at its head.
A practical comparison
- What does each Eight currently cover?
- Which red Seven is available now, and which one is coming later?
- Will one destination create an empty column or reveal a card?
- Can the resulting Eight–Seven sequence still move onto a red Nine?
Try both lines in Play Klondike Draw 1 or Play Klondike Draw 3.
Sources used
This guide distinguishes PlaySoli's current game rules from historical variants and marks disputed claims instead of presenting them as settled facts.