Can You Move a King to an Empty Column in Solitaire?
Short Answer
Yes. In standard Klondike Solitaire, Kings are the only cards that can be placed in an empty tableau column. This rule applies to most Solitaire variants including Yukon, Russian, and Forty Thieves.
Why Only Kings?
The tableau builds downward from King to Ace. Since there is no card higher than a King, it makes logical sense that only a King can start a new column. This creates important strategic decisions about when to clear columns and which King to place there.
Example
You have an empty column and two Kings available: King of Hearts with a Queen-Jack-10 sequence, and a bare King of Spades. Moving the King of Hearts lets you immediately build a longer sequence, while the King of Spades would start fresh.
Strategic Considerations
- Save empty columns - They are valuable for maneuvering cards
- Choose Kings wisely - Pick Kings that have buildable cards available
- Consider color balance - Alternating colors means red Kings need black Queens
- Prioritize revealing cards - Use Kings to uncover face-down cards when possible
Variants with Different Rules
Some Solitaire variants allow any card in empty columns:
- FreeCell - Any card can fill empty columns (called cells)
- Spider Solitaire - Any card or sequence can fill empty columns
- Accordion - No columns at all, different mechanic entirely