Where Can an Ace Be Played in Klondike?

An available Ace has two possible kinds of destination. It can start the foundation of its own suit, or it can be placed in the tableau on a Two of the opposite color. It cannot fill an empty tableau column because empty columns accept only Kings.

For example, A♥ may start the heart foundation. In the tableau it may go onto 2♣ or 2♠, but not onto 2♦ because both cards are red.

The foundation is the normal destination

A foundation needs no lower card before its Ace. Once A♣ is placed, 2♣ can follow, then 3♣ and so on. Sending an exposed Ace to the foundation usually improves access because no tableau card ever needs an Ace as its parent: there is no rank below Ace in Klondike.

If the Ace comes from the waste, the move also exposes the next waste card. If it comes from a column, it may turn over a hidden card.

The tableau placement is legal but temporary

The ordinary descending, alternating-color rule still applies at the bottom of the rank order. A♠ may sit on 2♥ or 2♦. This can occur when you are rearranging a column, although moving the Ace to its foundation is normally cleaner.

No card can be placed on an Ace in the tableau. A sequence therefore ends at the Ace.

Destinations that do not work

A♥ cannot go onto 2♦, onto another Ace, into an arbitrary foundation started by a different suit, or into an empty tableau column. It also cannot move while covered by another tableau or waste card.

A quick Ace check

1. Confirm that the Ace is exposed or on top of the waste.
2. Prefer its empty suit foundation in ordinary play.
3. If using the tableau, require an opposite-color Two.
4. Never use an empty column for an Ace.
5. Inspect the card exposed by the move.

Test both destinations in Play Klondike Draw 1 or 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.