ProSolitaire › Draw 1 vs Draw 3 Solitaire

Draw 1 vs Draw 3 Solitaire

Klondike solitaire can be played two ways: you turn over one card from the draw pile at a time, or three at a time. The cards on the table are the same, but the games feel quite different.

Draw 1: easier and more forgiving

In draw 1, every card in the stock gets its turn. You turn over one card, decide whether it's useful, and move on. Since you see every card on each trip through the stock, you can plan around what's coming. This is the best place to start if you're learning the game, and many people simply prefer its relaxed pace.

Draw 3: a bigger challenge

In draw 3, you turn over three cards at once, but only the top one can be played. The two underneath stay buried until the top card is moved. That means some cards are out of reach on any given trip through the stock, which makes the game harder to win.

Tips for draw 3

• Pay attention to the order. The cards come out in a pattern, so notice which ones are buried under the top card of each group.
• Playing a card from the waste changes the pattern. Taking one off shifts what you'll reach on later trips through the stock. Sometimes that opens up a card you need.
• Be patient with your trips through the stock. You will often need more than one pass, so don't give up after the first.
• Think ahead before you commit. This is where planning pays off the most.

Which should you play?

If you're new, or you want a calm game, start with draw 1. If you've been winning easily and want something that makes you think, try draw 3. You can switch whenever you like.

Not sure of the rules yet? Read how to play Klondike solitaire, or get strategy tips.