Play Solitaire Turn 3 Online for Free

Solitaire Turn 3 (often called 3-Card Draw Klondike) is a traditional Solitaire game where the stock cards are drawn in increments of three. Unlike the Turn 1 (single-card) version, three cards are flipped face-up at a time from the stock to the waste pile, making only the topmost card playable. This twist increases the challenge and encourages forward planning.

• Objective: Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles (one for each suit), building them up in ascending order (Ace through King).
• Key Difference: In Turn 1, each card from the stock is immediately accessible. In Turn 3, you must often “cycle” through multiple sets of three cards to find what you need.

This Solitaire Turn 3 Online game provides user-friendly features such as hint, undo option, and various scoring modes to enhance the experience.

How to Play Solitaire Turn 3

1. Initial Setup

   • A standard 52-card deck is shuffled.
   • Seven columns (the “tableau”) are laid out left to right. Column 1 has one card face up, Column 2 has two cards (with the topmost face up), and so on up to Column 7, which has seven cards (only the topmost is face up).
   • The remaining cards form the “stock,” placed face down. A waste pile is formed next to it as you flip cards from the stock.

2. Turning Over the Stock

   • Flip over the top three cards from the stock onto the waste pile. Only the uppermost card of those three is available to play onto the tableau or foundation.
   • If you can’t play the top card, you may flip another set of three cards onto the waste. When you exhaust the stock, you can turn the waste pile over to reset the stock (depending on the ruleset, you may have a limited or unlimited number of resets).

3. Moving Cards

   • Foundations: Build each suit from Ace to King (A, 2, 3, …, Q, K). Place Aces first.
   • Tableau: Build in descending order, alternating colors (e.g., place a black 7 on a red 8). If a tableau column is empty, only a King (with or without a sequence attached) can move into that space.
   • You can move cards between tableau columns if they follow the descending, alternating-color sequence.

4. Winning the Game

   • You win once all cards are moved to the four foundation piles in ascending suit order.

Interesting Facts About Solitaire Turn 3

1. Increased Difficulty

   • Turning over three cards at a time makes the game more challenging than Turn 1. You may cycle through multiple waste piles to uncover the card you need.

2. Popularized by Computers

   • Klondike Solitaire became a household name thanks to its inclusion with early Microsoft Windows. Many users eventually discovered the Turn 3 option for added complexity.

3. Scoring Variations

   • Some online and offline versions incorporate “Vegas” scoring, where you start with a certain score (e.g., 0 or a negative bank) and earn points (or money) by moving cards to foundations. Each pass through the stock might incur a penalty.

4. Limited vs. Unlimited Passes

   • Different rule sets allow varying numbers of times you can cycle through the stock. Unlimited games are more forgiving; limited ones demand tighter, more efficient play.

5. Global Appeal

   • Though it originated in the U.S., Solitaire Turn 3 (and Klondike in general) is now played worldwide in countless languages, thanks to its simplicity and digital accessibility.

Tips and Tricks

1. Expose Hidden Cards Early

   • Focus on unveiling face-down cards in the tableau. Each revealed card can offer new moves or uncover a critical Ace or low-value card for the foundations.

2. Keep Track of Waste Pile Cards

   • Pay attention to which cards are buried in the sets of three. Sometimes it’s best to skip playing the top card if it means you can access a more valuable second or third card on the next pass.

3. Save the Undo Button

   • If the online version offers an undo function, use it prudently to test different sequences or correct a misstep you realize is blocking future moves.

4. Clear Columns for Kings

   • An empty tableau column is crucial for repositioning Kings. When possible, move or clear out an entire column to create space for a King (along with its descending sequence).

5. Foundation Placement Timing

   • While you want to build up your foundations, don’t rush to move mid-range cards (like 5, 6, 7) too early. They might be more helpful in the tableau, especially for rearranging other cards.

Strategies for Winning

1. Plan Moves Around the Draw 3 Mechanic

   • Since only one of the three waste cards is immediately playable, anticipate the next flips. Sometimes you’ll avoid playing the top card to expose the one behind it in the next round.

2. Prioritize Aces and Deuces

   • Quickly move Aces and Twos to the foundations as they become available, creating space in the tableau and enabling you to stack the next cards (3, 4, etc.) effectively.

3. Use Empty Columns Wisely

   • Freed-up tableau columns give you more flexibility to move entire sequences. Try to keep at least one column empty if possible, so you can quickly relocate a run of cards.

4. Multiple Passes Strategy

   • If you have unlimited passes, consider skipping certain top waste cards on early cycles if it means you’ll get a more useful card. With limited passes, you’ll need a more cautious approach, planning the best time to flip or re-flip the stock.

5. Manage the Stock

   • The stock is your lifeline to new cards. Keep track of how many times you’ve cycled through it (if it’s limited) and which cards you’ve already seen. The knowledge of your “deck memory” can guide crucial decisions in the tableau.

Solitaire Turn 3 adds an extra layer of challenge and strategy to the classic Klondike formula by revealing cards in sets of three. This variation requires careful planning around which cards to play, when to cycle the deck, and how to maintain the tableau for maximum flexibility. Whether you’re seeking a new twist on a beloved pastime or looking to sharpen your Solitaire skills, Turn 3 offers a uniquely rewarding experience.

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