Yes, you can move cards from the foundation in solitaire. But only under certain conditions. The classic Windows version of Klondike lets you take the top card of a foundation pile and move it back to the columns, though it costs you 15 points in standard scoring. Some strict traditional rule sets forbid cards from leaving the foundation at all. Knowing when to pull a card back is the difference between a stuck game and a winning one.
The Short Answer Yes, but with Limits
If your version follows the classic Windows rules, you can move the top card of a foundation back to the columns. Only the top card. The card you move back must be one rank lower and of the opposite colour to the card it lands on. Move a black 6 from the foundation onto a red 7 in the columns. This is the only way to reverse a foundation move.
Which Rule Sets Allow a Foundation to Columns Move
Not all solitaire rule sets are the same. Here are the common approaches:
- Classic Windows version: Allows moving the top card of a foundation back to the columns. This move costs 15 points in standard scoring.
- Strict traditional rules: Some rule sets do not allow cards to leave the foundation once placed. In those games, every card you put on a foundation stays there.
- House rules: Many players adopt a middle ground, allowing the move only if it helps win the game, ignoring the point penalty.
Before you start a game, check which rules you are using. If you are unsure, assume the move is allowed, but be aware of the scoring cost.
When Pulling a Card Back Wins the Game
Specific situations turn a losing position into a win with a single foundation move. The most common scenario involves needing a card to hold another card in the columns.
Freeing a Blocked Column
Imagine a red 5 in the columns that needs a black 6 below it before you can shift the sequence. The black 6 is already on the foundation. Move that black 6 back. Place it under the red 5. This lets you shift a long sequence, uncover a face-down card, or reach the card you need.
Uncovering a Face-Down Card
Sometimes the only way to reach a face-down card is to clear a column. If the top card of a foundation is blocking your only empty column, moving it back lets you shift cards and flip the hidden card. That hidden card might be the one you need to continue building.
Building a Longer Sequence
Moving a card from the foundation lets you build a longer descending sequence in the columns. That gives you more flexibility to move cards around. Even though you lose points, the ability to continue playing is worth it.
When it is Not Worth it
Not every foundation card is worth pulling back. Aces and twos are almost never worth it. Nothing lower can be built on them in the columns. Pulling an Ace back gains you nothing. Pulling a two back only allows you to place an Ace on it, which is rarely useful. If pulling a card back does not lead to a new move or uncover a card, you are losing points for no benefit.
How to Perform a Foundation to Columns Move
If your version allows it, the procedure is simple:
- Identify the top card of a foundation pile that you want to move.
- Find a column where the top card is one rank higher and of the opposite colour. To move a red 5, you need a black 6 at the top of a column.
- Click and drag the foundation card to that column, or use the game's move command if available.
- Confirm the move. Some versions warn you about the point penalty.
After the move, the card you removed is no longer on the foundation. The foundation pile now has a new top card, the one that was below it. Repeat this process with the new top card if needed.
Solitaire Foundation Rules You Should Know
Understanding the foundation rules helps you decide when to place cards there in the first place. Foundations are built up by suit from Ace to King. There are four of them. Once a card is on the foundation, it is safe. The risk is that placing a card too early may block a needed move. Do not rush to the foundation. But if you do, knowing you can reverse the move gives you a safety net.
Remember: only the top card of a foundation pile can be moved back. You cannot take a card from the middle of a foundation, even if it is exposed. And the card you move must obey the same column rules as any other card.
Final Advice on Foundation to Columns Moves
Use the foundation-to-columns move sparingly. It is a tool, not a crutch. The best strategy is to avoid placing cards on the foundation until you are sure they will not be needed in the columns. But if you make a mistake or the game forces your hand, pulling a card back can save the game. At klondikesolitaire.info, you can practice these moves in a free, no-download version of Klondike Solitaire.