Draw 1 solitaire: Klondike at an easy pace

In Draw 1 you turn one card from the deck at a time, so every card gets its turn. It is the gentler way to play Klondike, good for learning and for a calm game. This page opens in Draw 1 mode; switching to Draw 3 from the header starts a new game.

How Draw 1 works

Tap the deck to turn its top card onto the pile. If you can use it, play it; if not, turn the next one. When the deck is empty, turn the pile over and go through it again, as many times as you like.

Because you see every card on each pass, you can always reach the card you need, as long as there is a place to put it.

Why Draw 1 is more relaxed

With every card's position known, research estimates that about 90% of random Draw 1 deals can be won, against about 82% in Draw 3 (Blake and Gent, Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research). Without groups of three, no card stays out of reach, so you need less planning and win more often.

That makes Draw 1 a good way to learn Klondike, to take a short break, or simply to play without pressure.

Tips for Draw 1

Free the face-down cards in the columns first; the deck will still be there on the next pass.
Empty a column only when you have a King ready to move into it.
Play a card from the deck when it opens a move in the columns, not only when it can go to a foundation.
When House blend feels too easy, try a Double shot or Triple shot deal from the New game menu.

Questions and answers

Is Draw 1 easier than Draw 3?

Usually, yes. You can reach every card in the deck, so more deals can be won and they take less planning.

Is Draw 1 the same as Turn 1?

Yes. Draw 1 and Turn 1 both mean that cards are turned from the deck one at a time.

Is there a daily challenge in Draw 1?

Yes. Draw 1 and Draw 3 each have their own daily deal, the same for every player in that mode.

Will the game remember Draw 1?

Yes. Your choice is saved in your browser, and new games use it until you switch back. Switching modes starts a new game.