Solitaire questions, straight answers

Everything players ask us — about Peek, the rules, the odds, the scoring, and the game itself. If your question isn't here, the fastest answer is usually to just deal a hand :)

Can I play solitaire without downloading anything?

Yes — The Original Solitaire+ plays free right here in your browser. No download, no signup, no account: open the page and the cards deal.

Is The Original Solitaire+ really free?

Completely. The browser game is free, the iOS app is free, and there are no in-app purchases. The app is ad-supported, but unlimited Undo and Hint never trigger ads.

Is there a solitaire that shows the hidden cards?

Yes — exactly one. The Original Solitaire+ has the patent-pending Peek button: press and hold to see the face-down cards in the tableau, then make your move. It’s the first and only solitaire with this feature.

What is the Peek button?

Peek is our patent-pending exclusive: hold it down to see every face-down card, release to flip them back. It turns blind guesses — like choosing which of three Kings takes an empty column — into planned, informed decisions. See it in action.

Isn't peeking at the cards cheating?

It’s what you’d do with a real deck at your kitchen table — lift the corner and look. Peek doesn’t move cards or win the game for you; it gives you information, and the decisions stay yours. Planning with information is strategy, not cheating.

Why is the game in portrait orientation?

By design — we’re the only major solitaire that does it. A tall layout means your hand isn’t constantly traveling across a wide screen, which is far more comfortable for your hand and wrist and better for preventing carpal tunnel strain.

Does it work offline?

The browser version needs an internet connection to load the game. For play on the go, the iOS app is the better fit — no account needed, your progress lives on your device, and it’s built for pocket play wherever you are.

What's the difference between Draw 1 and Draw 3?

Draw 1 deals one card at a time from the stock and is the easier, friendlier game. Draw 3 deals three at once with only the top card playable, so part of the stock hides behind a rhythm you have to plan around. Both are in the game — start with Draw 1, and see how to play for details.

How does Vegas scoring work?

You buy the deck for $52 and earn $5 for every card you place on a foundation, so 11 cards puts you in profit. Draw 1 gives you one pass through the stock; draw 3 gives you three. The game supports Vegas and cumulative mode — full rules here.

What percentage of solitaire games can be won?

Solver studies put classic Klondike draw-1 at roughly 79% winnable with perfect informed play. Draw-3 is lower, and typical human win rates are far below both — the gap is decisions made blind, not luck. The full numbers are here.

How do Daily Challenges, Crowns, and medals work?

Every day deals a fresh Daily Challenge. Win it to earn that day’s Crown plus Keys, and keep winning to collect bronze, silver, and gold medals each month. You can even go back and win Crowns for past days.

What are Keys and how do I earn them?

Keys are the game’s unlock currency — no purchases involved. You can earn up to 5 a day just for checking in, plus more for winning Daily Challenges. Spend them on 50+ card backs, card faces, and backgrounds, including night modes.

Do I need an account or sign-up to play?

No. There is no registration, no email capture, and no login — in the browser or in the app. This is basic, respectful solitaire: open it and play.

Why is it called Klondike solitaire?

The game is named after the Klondike gold-rush region of Canada’s Yukon, where prospectors are said to have played it in the 1890s. It became the world’s default computer game when Microsoft shipped it with Windows in 1990 — the full story is a good one.

Is there an Android version?

It’s on the way. Today The Original Solitaire+ is free on iPhone and iPad, and anyone can play free in the browser — Android players included.

Where can I watch the how-to videos?

Our video library has a five-episode how-to-play series, Peek strategy clips, and quick one-minute Shorts, all free. You can also reach it from the Video button in the app’s Settings screen.

Still curious?

Go deeper on any of these: the full rules, winning strategy, the real odds, the Peek button, Vegas scoring, or a century of Klondike history.