Whitehead Solitaire - Play Online Free
Whitehead is a distinctive Klondike variant defined by a clever twist: all tableau cards are dealt face-up, you build down by same color instead of alternating colors, and you can only move a group of cards together if they share the same suit. The full visibility makes planning easier, while the mismatch between the building rule and the moving rule adds a strategic layer found in no other Klondike game. This free online Whitehead Solitaire plays instantly in your browser — no download and no sign-up.
What Is Whitehead Solitaire?
Whitehead is a single-player card game played with one standard 52-card deck, using the classic Klondike layout of seven tableau columns and four foundations built up by suit from Ace to King. Three rules set it apart: every tableau card is dealt face-up, tableau building is same-color (red on red, black on black) rather than alternating, and any card — not just a King — can fill an empty column. The whitehead solitaire game keeps Klondike's familiar shape while changing its texture completely.
The signature feature is the gap between building and moving. You may place a heart on a diamond because both are red, or a spade on a club because both are black, but you can only pick up and move a run of cards together if they are all the same suit. This means a neatly built same-color column is not necessarily a movable group, which creates subtle tactical puzzles. Combined with the open layout and flexible empty columns, it rewards players who enjoy thinking a few moves ahead.
How to Play Whitehead
Setup and Deal
Deal 28 cards face-up into seven columns (one to seven cards per column). Every card is visible from the start. The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile, drawn one at a time, and four foundations wait to be built from Ace to King by suit.
Objective
Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, building each by suit in ascending order from Ace to King. You reach this by arranging the tableau into descending same-color runs and using same-suit group moves and flexible empty columns to free the cards you need.
Rules
- All tableau cards are dealt face-up — complete information from the start.
- Build tableau columns in descending rank with same-color cards (red on red, black on black).
- Only same-suit sequences can be moved as a group.
- Any card can fill an empty tableau column.
- Draw one card at a time from stock with unlimited redeals.
- Build foundation piles from Ace to King by suit.
Whitehead Strategy Tips
- Use the full card visibility to plan several moves ahead before acting.
- Remember the building rule: same-color means red on red and black on black.
- Group moves require same-suit, not just same-color — plan your sequences with that distinction in mind.
- Empty columns accept any card, so use them as flexible workspace to relocate single cards.
- Exploit same-suit runs deliberately, since only they can be moved as a block.
- The mismatch between the same-color build rule and the same-suit move rule is the key challenge — keep both in view.
Whitehead vs. Klondike
Whitehead differs from standard Klondike in three ways at once. First, all cards are face-up, removing hidden information and the luck that comes with it. Second, you build same-color rather than alternating-color, which changes every placement decision. Third, group moves require same-suit cards, while empty columns accept any card instead of only Kings. Standard Klondike is about uncovering hidden cards and chasing Kings for empty columns; Whitehead is about navigating the same-color build and same-suit move rules with full information. It plays very differently and rewards a more deliberate, planning-focused style.
Tips for Beginners
New to Whitehead? The most common stumbling block is the two-rule split, so say it to yourself: build same-color, move same-suit. Use the open layout to plan before you act, and remember that any card can fill an empty column, which gives you flexible workspace for single cards. Aim to assemble same-suit runs when you want to relocate groups. Unlimited undo lets you experiment with the unusual rules until the build-versus-move distinction becomes second nature.
Play Whitehead Solitaire Free Online — No Download
You can play Whitehead Solitaire free online right here, with no download and no sign-up. The game runs in your browser on desktop, tablet, and phone, so this clever Klondike variant is always within reach. With its face-up layout, same-color building, and same-suit group moves, Whitehead offers a fresh, planning-rich twist on classic solitaire — a great pick for players who want something familiar yet genuinely different. Every deal is a new puzzle to unravel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Whitehead different from Klondike?
Three major differences: (1) all cards are dealt face-up, (2) building uses same-color instead of alternating colors, and (3) only same-suit sequences can be moved together. Any card can also fill empty columns.
Why can I stack same-color cards but only move same-suit groups?
This is Whitehead's signature twist. You can place a heart on a diamond (both red) or a spade on a club (both black), but you can only move a group of cards together if they are all the same suit. This creates interesting tactical decisions.
Is Whitehead easier or harder than Klondike?
It varies. The face-up cards and flexible empty columns make planning easier, but the same-suit group movement restriction can be very limiting. Overall, it is roughly similar in difficulty but plays very differently.
What can fill an empty column in Whitehead?
Any card can fill an empty column, not just a King. This is more flexible than standard Klondike and makes empty columns a valuable tool for relocating single cards and reorganizing the board.
Does Whitehead deal all cards face-up?
Yes. All 28 tableau cards are dealt face-up, so you have complete information from the start. This lets you plan several moves ahead, which is essential for managing the same-color build and same-suit move rules.
What is the best strategy for Whitehead?
Keep the two rules separate in your mind — build same-color, move same-suit — and plan with full visibility. Assemble same-suit runs when you intend to relocate groups, and use the any-card empty columns as flexible workspace for single cards.
Is Whitehead Solitaire free to play?
Yes. This Whitehead Solitaire is completely free — no download, no sign-up, and no fees. Just open the page and play in your browser on any device.