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 full game plays free in a desktop browser with no signup. On phones and tablets, explore the guides and Peek demonstration, or use the iPhone and iPad app.

Is The Original Solitaire+ really free?

Yes. You get the full game, free to play in a desktop browser or in the iPhone and iPad app. No credit card or subscription is required. Peek, unlimited Undo, hints, true random deals and Daily Challenges are included. Using Hint or Undo doesn’t trigger an ad.

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?

Hold Peek to reveal the face-down cards in the tableau, and release to turn them back over. Look after a hand to find the card you were missing, or during play to help decide your next move.

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 board keeps every card inside one short, comfortable arc instead of sending your hand corner to corner. We modeled identical deals on both shapes: a wide board drags your mouse about 2.5× farther — here’s the math, drawn to scale. We built it with carpal tunnel in mind — not as medical advice, just as a design brief.

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?

There isn’t one percentage for every kind of solitaire. Winnability depends on the rules and whether the deals are random or selected to have a solution. A solver’s result with all cards known is not a prediction of a human player’s win rate.

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?

There isn’t an Android app available yet. The Original Solitaire+ is available on iPhone and iPad. Android visitors can read the guides and try the small Peek demonstration here; the full browser game is for desktop computers.

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.

How do I get help or report a problem?

We welcome questions, bug reports and suggestions. Email support@officialgame.ai. Tell us what happened and whether you are playing on a phone, tablet or computer; a screenshot can help. Our video library is also here to help you learn at your own pace.

Who makes The Original Solitaire+?

The Original Solitaire+ is made by Official Game AI, founded by Josh Hartwell. Josh co-founded GOSUB 60, later known as Mobile Deluxe, which launched Solitaire Deluxe in August 2003. He carries that experience into The Original Solitaire+ today.

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.