Solitaire Terminology: Tableau, Foundation, and More

Solitaire rules and strategy guides use terms like tableau, foundation, stock, and waste. Knowing these makes it easier to read rules and talk about strategy. Here is a short glossary of common solitaire terminology.

Tableau

The tableau is the main playing area—usually columns or piles where you build sequences. In Klondike there are seven tableau columns; in Spider there are ten. Cards are moved on and off the tableau according to the game's rules (e.g., descending order, alternating colors). Exposing face-down cards in the tableau is often a key part of winning.

Foundation

The foundation is where you build complete sequences, usually from Ace to King in the same suit. In Klondike there are four foundation piles (one per suit). Cards that go to the foundation stay there. In Spider there are no separate foundations—complete runs are removed from the tableau instead.

Stock and Waste

The stock is the pile of cards not yet in play. You turn cards from the stock one at a time (or three at a time in draw-three Klondike) when you need new options. Thewaste (or talon) is where those turned cards go—often a single face-up pile. You play from the top of the waste onto the tableau or foundations. In Tri Peaks, the "waste" is the pile you build onto with cards one rank up or down.

Other Terms

• Build: placing a card on another according to the rules (e.g., 7 on 8).
• In suit: same suit (e.g., all spades). Building in suit in Spider lets you move the whole sequence.
• Empty column: a tableau column with no cards. In Klondike and Spider, only a King (or King-led sequence) can start an empty column.
• Free cell: in FreeCell, a space that holds one card temporarily.

With these terms you can read almost any solitaire rule set and follow strategy guides. Use this glossary as a reference when you learn a new game.