Alaska vs Yukon vs Russian Solitaire
These three games start from exactly the same deal and have no stock. What differs is the building rule, and that one rule changes how the game feels. Here is how they compare.
The shared deal
All 52 cards go into seven columns. The first column has one face-up card; each column to the right has one more face-down card, up to six, with five face-up cards on top. In all three games you can move any face-up card together with all the cards on top of it, only a King can go into an empty column, and a face-down card turns over as soon as it is uncovered.
The building rules
| Game | A card goes on | Foundation cards back? |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon | A card of the opposite colour, one rank higher | Yes |
| Alaska | A card of the same suit, one rank higher or lower | Yes |
| Russian Solitaire | A card of the same suit, one rank higher | No |
Which should you play first?
Start with Yukon: its rule is the most familiar and it lets you take foundation cards back. Alaska gives each card two possible neighbours, so you must check which link you still need. Russian Solitaire is the strictest, since each card has only one place to land and nothing returns from the foundations. Each has a strategy guide: Yukon, Alaska and Russian Solitaire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Alaska and Yukon?
The deal is identical. Yukon builds down in alternating colours; Alaska builds up or down in the same suit.
Why is Russian Solitaire harder than Yukon?
Each card has only one possible landing spot, the next rank up in its own suit, and cards on a foundation cannot be taken back.
Can I move cards that are not in sequence?
Yes, in all three games. Any face-up card can be moved with everything on top of it, if the card you pick up fits the destination.