Which King Should Move First: Waste or Tableau?

With one empty column, compare the specific gain from each King. Move the tableau King when it reveals a hidden card or clears a useful source column. Move the waste King when removing it exposes a critical card or changes Draw 3 access that cannot be recovered easily.

The source—waste or tableau—is not the decision by itself.

A tableau King often adds information

Suppose K♠ covers a face-down card, while K♥ is the top waste card. Moving K♠ into the empty lane turns over the hidden card. If that card is 6♦ and 7♣ is available, the move creates an immediate continuation.

If K♠ heads K♠–Q♥–J♣, the whole run may also reorganize several cards at once.

A waste King may unlock a packet

Now suppose K♥ covers A♣ in the waste. Moving K♥ into the empty column exposes A♣, which starts a foundation and then reveals another waste card. In Draw 3, removing the King may also shift later packet boundaries.

If the tableau King sits at the end of a completely open column and reveals nothing, the waste line can be stronger.

Do not compare bare cards only

A King-led sequence may be a better use of the lane than a bare King because it transfers several ordered cards. But a bare King that reveals a hidden card can still beat a long run that merely changes location.

Also inspect the Queen colors available. A black King is more useful when red Queens are waiting; a red King supports black Queens.

Choose with a named follow-up

1. What card does each King move expose?
2. Does either move clear a column?
3. Which King has a useful Queen-led tail?
4. Which waste card or hidden card becomes playable next?
5. Can the unused King still find another empty lane later?

Compare the sources in Play Klondike Draw 1 and Play Klondike Draw 3.

Sources used

• 1 PlaySoli implementation and editorial specification.
• 2 Current PlaySoli product rules: Solitaire Turn 1.
• 3 Current PlaySoli product rules: Solitaire Turn 3.