Yukon Solitaire: Play online for free, no download required
Yukon Solitaire puts a fresh spin on the Classic Klondike format. There’s no stock pile, so you don’t have to wait for new cards. You have the entire deck from the start.
Rules
Goal: Build all four foundation piles from Ace to King in their respective suits. To do this, you must uncover hidden cards and arrange the tableau carefully.
The Deal
- Tableau: The tableau consists of seven columns, similar to Klondike, but the card distribution is different. Cards are dealt in overlapping layers, mixing face-up and face-down cards in each column.
- No Stock: All 52 cards are dealt at the beginning of the game; there’s no draw pile. Every move you need is already on the board. This makes Yukon strategic right from the first move, requiring careful thought before acting.
Flexibility
- Group Moves: You can move any face-up card along with all the cards stacked on top of it to another tableau column, regardless of whether the sequence follows the usual order.
- Placement Rule: The card you place must be of the opposite color and one rank higher than the card you’re moving.
- Example: You can move a red 5 (even with a king, 10, or any cards above it) onto a black 6.
Yukon Strategy
- Reveal Cards EarlyYour main focus should be uncovering the hidden, face-down cards in the tableau. Once all cards are visible, the game usually becomes an easy path to victory.
- Dig Out Aces and TwosThese foundation cards often start deep in the tableau. Make it a priority to clear paths to them whenever you can.
- Preserve Useful ColumnsWhile clearing a column creates space for Kings, sometimes keeping a pile intact offers valuable options. Consider several moves ahead before clearing space.
- Chain ReactionsSince you can move irregular stacks, Yukon often rewards long chain plays. Look for moves that reveal multiple cards at once.
History
Yukon is a relatively new addition to solitaire variations, emerging in the mid-20th century as a quicker, more flexible alternative to Klondike. It gained popularity through digital solitaire collections in the 1990s and 2000s, where its no-stock format appealed to players who like complete information and creative freedom from the start.
Skills
Visualization
Success in Yukon hinges on your ability to mentally track hidden cards and predict how sequences will interact once rearranged.
Adaptive Thinking
The looser movement rules require flexibility. There’s rarely a single “best” move; you need to assess which path offers the most long-term benefits.
Strategic Patience
Even though the game seems open-ended, being patient pays off. Overmoving can block important cards or create challenging sequences.
Yukon FAQ
Is it harder than Klondike?
Not necessarily, just different. Yukon removes the luck of the draw and offers complete visibility. It feels more open but can still be tricky when Aces or low cards are buried deep.
Can I move a King to an empty column?
Yes. Only Kings or sequences starting with a King can go into empty tableau columns, just like in Klondike.
Why do I sometimes get stuck even with visible cards?
Because flexibility has its downsides: every move is possible, but not every move is wise. Planning ahead and being cautious often matter more than having freedom to move.
How long does a game take?
Experienced players can finish a Yukon deal in 5 to 10 minutes, although more complex boards may require deeper thinking.
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