How to Set Up Solitaire
Klondike solitaire is set up by dealing 28 cards into 7 tableau columns — column 1 gets 1 card, column 2 gets 2, up to 7 — with only the top card of each column face-up. The remaining 24 cards form the stock. The steps, a printable diagram, and the layouts for Spider, FreeCell and Pyramid are below.
Klondike Setup, Step by Step
- Shuffle the deck. Use one standard 52-card deck, jokers removed, and shuffle thoroughly.
- Deal the first row. Deal 7 cards left to right: the first face-up, the next six face-down — one to each column.
- Complete the cascade. Starting one column further right each pass, repeat until column N has N cards (28 dealt in total). Turn the top card of every column face-up.
- Form the stock. Place the remaining 24 cards face-down above the tableau — this is your stock (draw pile), with space beside it for the waste.
- Leave room for foundations. Reserve four empty spots for the foundations — one per suit, built up from Ace to King. You are ready to play.
Setup Layouts for Every Major Solitaire Game
Each family sets up differently. Columns, cards dealt, and what starts face-up:
| Game | Decks | Layout | Cards dealt | Face-up at start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klondike | 1 | 7 columns (1–7 cards) | 28 + 24 stock | Top card of each column |
| Spider | 2 | 10 columns (6,6,6,6,5,5,5,5,5,5) | 54 + 50 stock | Top card of each column |
| FreeCell | 1 | 8 columns (7,7,7,7,6,6,6,6) | All 52 | Every card |
| Pyramid | 1 | 7-row pyramid | 28 + 24 stock | Every card (lower rows blocked) |
| TriPeaks | 1 | 3 overlapping peaks | 28 + 24 stock | Bottom row of 10 |
| Yukon | 1 | 7 columns, extra face-up fans | All 52 | Top 5 of columns 2–7, all of column 1 |
| Forty Thieves | 2 | 10 columns of 4 | 40 + 64 stock | Every card |
| Canfield | 1 | 4 columns + 13-card reserve | 18 + 34 stock | Column tops & reserve top |
Every game above also plays instantly in your browser — the computer deals for you. Browse all 44 games.
Setup Questions, Answered
How many rows are in solitaire?
Standard Klondike solitaire is set up in 7 tableau columns (often called rows). Column 1 gets 1 card, column 2 gets 2, and so on up to 7 — 28 cards in total, with only the top card of each column face-up.
How many cards do you deal out in solitaire?
In Klondike you deal 28 of the 52 cards into the tableau. The remaining 24 cards form the stock, which you draw from during play (one or three at a time depending on the variant).
How do you set up solitaire with a real deck of cards?
Shuffle a standard 52-card deck, then deal left to right: one card to each of 7 piles, then one card to piles 2–7, then 3–7, and so on, so pile N ends with N cards. Flip the top card of each pile face-up, and place the remaining 24 cards face-down as your stock.
Do all solitaire games set up the same way?
No. Klondike uses 7 columns and 28 cards; Spider uses 10 columns and 54 dealt cards from two decks; FreeCell deals all 52 cards face-up into 8 columns; Pyramid arranges 28 cards into a 7-row pyramid. The table on this page lists each layout.
Which card goes face up in solitaire?
Only the top (last-dealt) card of each tableau column starts face-up in Klondike — 7 face-up cards in all. Every card beneath stays face-down until it is uncovered during play.
Learn More
Once the cards are laid out: the Klondike rules and strategy guide covers how to actually play, the strategy guide covers winning more, and the FAQ answers everything else — including whether every deal is winnable.