What is Westcliff?
Westcliff is a Klondike variant with a larger tableau and a more forgiving empty-column rule. Where Klondike uses seven columns with only Kings allowed in empty spaces, Westcliff uses ten columns (three cards each to start) and allows any card — not just Kings — to fill an empty column. The 22-card stock draws one card at a time and cannot be recycled.
Full rules
Ten tableau columns each receive three cards: two face-down and one face-up. The remaining 22 cards form the stock, dealt one at a time to a waste pile.
Tableau sequences build downward in alternating colors. Properly ordered sequences move as units. Any card (not just Kings) may fill an empty column. Foundations build upward by suit from Ace to King. This implementation has no stock redeal. Win by moving all 52 cards to the foundations.
How Westcliff differs from Klondike
Westcliff has ten short columns, accepts any card in an empty space, and offers only one pass through its stock. Klondike uses seven columns, requires Kings in empty spaces, and lets the waste recycle on this site.
The three-card starting columns (two face-down, one face-up) are shallower than Klondike’s deepest columns, which means the early reveal phase is shorter. With ten columns, there are more top cards to compare at the start.
Key strategic concepts
Before drawing over a waste card, check whether it can enter a foundation or an empty tableau column. There is no second stock pass to uncover cards that remain covered in the waste.
Compare a tableau move that exposes a hidden card with a stock draw that may provide a needed destination. Either can be useful depending on the visible position.
Read the Westcliff strategy guide →
Westcliff is part of Downtown · Klondike family and is a variant of Klondike.
More Klondike family games
- Klondike — The patience everyone knows. Draw 1 or 3.
- Agnes — Klondike-family with reserve deals and a variable base.
- Easthaven — Klondike that deals rows from the stock.
- Gargantua — Two-deck Klondike: 9 columns, 8 foundations.
- Kuiper — Triangular eight-column Klondike variant.
- Las Vegas Solitaire — Draw-one Klondike with a single pass through the stock.
Also try
- FreeCell (FreeCell & open packers) — All cards visible. Use the four cells.
- Beleaguered Castle (Castle games) — Eight columns flanking four aces.
- Bristol (Fans (La Belle Lucie)) — Eight fans, three reserves, one stock deal.
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