The basics
Turn 1 vs turn 3 solitaire
Klondike comes in two common versions. They look almost identical, but the number of cards you turn over at a time changes how hard the game is.
In turn 1 (draw 1) you turn over one card at a time from the stock, so every card comes up. In turn 3 (draw 3) you turn over three at a time, and only the top one is playable, so cards underneath are buried. Turn 3 is harder, and fewer deals can be won.
Side by side
- Turn 1: one card per draw. Every stock card becomes playable.
- Turn 3: three cards per draw. Only the top card is playable, so two of every three can be out of reach on that pass.
Why turn 3 is harder
In turn 3 the cards beneath the top card are blocked until you play the top one. The stock keeps its order, so the groups of three repeat on each pass, but playing a card changes the groups after it. You have to plan which cards will come up, and a card you need can be buried again and again. That is why more turn 3 deals cannot be won.
Which should you play?
- Learning or relaxing: turn 1.
- A real challenge, or the classic game you may remember: turn 3.
- You want to be sure a win exists: use a winnable deal in either version.
Strategy differences
In turn 1 you can see and remember the whole stock, so planning is easier. In turn 3 you spend more effort on the stock: which card to play from the waste, and when. Read the turn 3 guide, how to win turn 3 solitaire.
Try both
Play turn 1 and turn 3 in your browser, or switch with the Cards drawn menu on any game.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between draw 1 and draw 3 solitaire?
Draw 1 turns over one stock card at a time. Draw 3 turns over three and only the top one is playable.
Which is harder, turn 1 or turn 3?
Turn 3.
Are turn 1 and turn 3 the same game?
They share every rule except the draw, but it changes the strategy a lot.