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Yukon vs Klondike Solitaire: What's the Difference?

5 min read

Yukon Solitaire looks almost identical to Klondike at first glance — same 7 columns, same foundations, same goal. But Yukon's rule that lets you move any face-up card completely changes how the game plays.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureKlondikeYukon
Stock PileYesNo
Cards Dealt28 initially, rest in stockAll 52 dealt to tableau
Hidden CardsYesYes (fewer relatively)
Move RuleOnly top card of sequenceAny face-up card (with all above it)
Win Rate (skilled)~35-43%~70-80%
Luck FactorHighModerate

The Key Difference: Moving Any Card

In Klondike, only the top card of a correctly-ordered sequence can be moved as a group. In Yukon, any face-up card can be moved — and everything above it comes along. This gives Yukon players far more tools to rearrange the board.

Yukon also deals all cards at the start — no stock pile means no uncertainty about what cards will appear. What you see is what you have to work with.

Which Is Better?

Neither is strictly better — they test different skills. Klondike tests adaptive play and stock cycle management. Yukon tests visualization and group-move planning. Many players enjoy both for different reasons.

💡 Tip: If you love Klondike but hate losing to bad luck from the stock, try Yukon. The higher win rate and full-information start may feel much more satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yukon harder than Klondike?

Yukon has a higher win rate (~70-80% vs ~35-43% in Klondike) making it easier in terms of winning. But the board management is more complex due to the any-card-move rule.

Does Yukon have a stock pile?

No — all 52 cards are dealt to the tableau at the start. There is no stock pile to draw from. This is a major difference from Klondike.

Can you move sequences in Yukon?

Yes, but any face-up card can be moved (not just the top of a valid sequence). All cards above the moved card come along.

Is Yukon the same as Klondike?

No — while the layout is similar, Yukon deals all cards at the start, has no stock, and lets you move any face-up card. These three differences make it a significantly different game.

What is a good first game between Yukon and Klondike?

Start with Klondike for the classic experience, then try Yukon when you want more control and fewer stock surprises.