Game Rules
YukonMore Freedom Than Klondike

A solitaire variant with a deeper tableau and more freedom of movement for card stacks.

Players1
Duration10 – 20 min
Deck52 cards · 1 deck
DifficultyMedium
I · Game Idea

Klondike,
but freer

I

Yukon is similar to Klondike but has no draw pile – all 52 cards are directly in the tableau. This makes the game completely plannable but also more complex to execute.

The crucial difference: Entire groups of cards can be moved independently of their own order, as long as the top card of the group matches.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Set up the Tableau
7 columns with all 52 cards in total – first column 1 card, last column significantly more.
2
Partially open cards
Unlike Klondike, more cards are face up from the start.
3
Prepare foundation piles
4 empty spaces for the foundation piles sorted by suit.
Before you start

Since there is no draw pile, all information is available from the beginning – use this for complete advance planning.

III · Card Values
How to move
groups
III
G
Move group
Any order
An entire group of cards can be moved, even if it is not correctly sorted itself.
↓
Build down
Descending, alternating
The top card of a moved group must connect with alternating colors and one rank lower.
↑
Foundation piles
Ascending, same suit
As in Klondike: Collect Ace to King of the same suit on the foundation piles.
K
King
To empty space
Only a King may be placed on a completely empty tableau column.
IV · Gameplay

Move by
move

IV
1
Analyze the tableau
All cards are visible – survey the complete situation.
2
Move groups
Move even unsorted card groups as a whole if the top card matches.
3
Place on foundation piles
Move matching cards in ascending order to the suit piles.
4
Use empty columns
Deliberately use completely emptied columns for Kings or as temporary storage.
5
Won
All 52 cards are sorted on the four foundation piles – due to full visibility, Yukon is usually solvable with patient planning.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Yukon has several known sub-variants.

R
Russian Solitaire
Stricter variant: Groups must be correctly sorted to be moved.
A
Alaska
Related game with mandatory color changes instead of free group movement.
∅
No Color Change
Simplified variant: Color plays no role when placing cards.
D
Double Yukon
With two decks for a larger, more complex tableau.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Actively use group movement – unlike Klondike, you can also move unsorted card stacks as a whole.

+

Plan the complete solution in advance, as all cards are visible from the start – Yukon allows more foresight than Klondike.

+

Deliberately free up cards deeper down by shifting entire groups above them, instead of just moving individual cards.

+

Keep at least one column free for maneuvers to be able to perform more complex re-sorts.

Common Mistakes
–

Not utilizing group movement and only shifting individual cards, as one is used to from Klondike.

–

Prematurely refilling an empty column instead of keeping it free for a more complex re-sorting.

–

Not planning far enough ahead, even though the entire solution would theoretically be recognizable due to full visibility.

–

Ignoring important cards buried deep because the focus is too much on the easily accessible cards at the top.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Yukon requires patience and overview – easier to master with clearly legible cards.

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20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger groups and long game nights. To product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. To product
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