How to Play Russian Solitaire
Russian Solitaire is a quiet, single-player patience that asks you to think a few moves ahead. This guide gives a friendly start so you can play right away — and learn why the tableau builds are different from Klondike. For more solitaire guides, visit Playmore.
Quick facts
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Russian Solitaire |
| Family | European patience |
| Typical players | 1 |
| Deck | Normal 52-card deck |
| Tableau builds | Same-suit, descending sequences (not Klondike-style) |
| Goal (general) | Move cards to foundations by suit; exact finishing rules vary by version |
What you are trying to do
Your main job is to get cards from the tableau into the foundations. Foundations are usually built up by suit from low to high. On the tableau you arrange cards in downward sequences, but only by the same suit. This is the key difference from Klondike, where you alternate colors. Exact scoring, redeals, and special moves vary by version, so check the official rules for the version you play.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. Shuffle the deck well. Different groups play slightly different layouts, so follow your chosen rule set. In many popular versions you deal a number of tableau piles and leave room for foundations and a stock. If you are following a written rule set, deal the exact piles it tells you. If you’re inventing a home rule, a simple start is to deal several face-up piles and keep the remaining cards as a stock.
How to play
- Look for any aces or lowest foundation starters and move them to the foundation area if your version uses aces first.
- On the tableau, build downward by the same suit. For example, 9 of hearts goes onto 10 of hearts.
- You may be allowed to move a correctly ordered run of cards as a block. If so, move the whole same-suit descending sequence onto a suitable card.
- If you can’t move on the tableau, draw from the stock if your version uses one. Use drawn cards to continue building on tableau or foundations.
- Empty tableau spaces: some versions let you place any card there, some require a king, and some have other rules. Follow the version you are playing.
- Repeat these steps: move to foundations when possible, rearrange tableau runs, and draw from the stock until no legal moves remain.
How a round or game ends
A game normally ends when either all cards are on the foundations (you win) or no legal moves are left (you lose). Some versions allow one or more redeals, or score hands differently. Because regional and published rules do vary, check the official or house rules you are using for the exact ending conditions and any scoring.
Beginner tips
- Remember same-suit only. That rule changes how you plan moves.
- Expose buried low cards early. Aces and twos are often the keys to freeing space.
- Move to foundations when it won’t block useful tableau sequences.
- Keep runs intact when possible; moving a full sequence is powerful.
- Watch empty spaces — they can let you reposition big runs.
- If a rule is unclear, agree with your group before you start (redeals, empty-space rules, and stock play vary).
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use one standard 52-card deck. No special cards are required.
Can I move several cards at once?
Often you can move a correctly ordered run as a block, but whether you may depends on the version you play. Check your chosen rules for block-move limits.
What should I do if I get stuck?
Try undoing recent moves if you’re practicing, or look for any move that frees a low card for the foundations. If your rules allow a redeal, use it. Otherwise start a new game and try a slightly different strategy.
Note: This guide is a clear beginner walkthrough. Exact set-up details, scoring, and special penalties can differ between versions, so check the official or your local rules for the precise variant you want to learn.