Strategy
Empty columns in solitaire
Emptying a column feels like progress. It helps only when you can put something useful in it, and in Klondike that means a king.
In Klondike, only a king, or a run that starts with a king, can go into an empty column. So an empty column is valuable only if a king is available, in the waste, in the stock or at the top of the face-up cards in a column. Do not empty a column on purpose unless a king can fill it.
Why only kings
The rule is that an empty column accepts only a king, with whatever run sits on it. A king has no higher card to sit on, so an empty column is the one place it can move to. That makes the king a key to your free space.
When to empty a column
- A king is ready, in the waste or at the top of a column.
- Emptying the column also gives you a place to rearrange cards, and the extra room pays for itself.
- The column is short, and clearing it uncovers a hidden card in another place.
When not to
- No king is in sight. The empty column will sit unused and may block nothing but may help nothing.
- Clearing it means moving cards onto other columns that you will later want free.
Which king to use
When you have a choice, fill the column with a king that is already in the tableau on top of hidden cards. Moving it uncovers a card. A king from the waste uncovers nothing. Keep a waste king for later if you can.
Two empty columns
Two empty columns give you a lot of room for shifting runs. Even then, think about which kings are still hidden. If both kings are far from coming up, you may be better off keeping cards in the columns for now.
See the strategy guide for how this fits with the rest of your priorities.
Frequently asked questions
What can go in an empty column in solitaire?
Only a king, or a run that starts with a king.
Should I always empty a column?
No. Only when a king is available to fill it.
Why not put any card in an empty column?
That is the rule of Klondike. Some other solitaire games allow any card.