Tableau
The main area where cards are arranged and moved during play. Most tactical decisions happen in the tableau.
Glossary
Common solitaire terms, explained simply.
If rules pages mention the tableau, foundations, redeals, or sequences, this glossary gives you quick plain-language definitions so every guide on the site is easier to understand.
Foundation
A target pile that usually builds upward by suit from Ace to King. Many builder-style solitaire games are won by completing all foundations.
Stock
The face-down draw pile used to introduce new cards when tableau play runs out.
Waste
The face-up pile created when cards are drawn from the stock. Waste cards are often playable to the tableau or foundations.
Redeal
A reset or recycle of the stock after you reach the end of a pass. Some variants allow unlimited redeals, while others restrict them.
Sequence
A run of cards arranged in a legal order, such as descending alternating colours in Klondike or descending same-suit cards in Spider.
Empty column
A cleared tableau space that can be used to park a card, move a King, or stage a larger sequence depending on the variant.
Free cell
A temporary holding slot used in FreeCell. Open free cells increase mobility and help reposition cards.
Same-suit build
A rule requiring cards to be stacked in suit order rather than by alternating colours. This matters heavily in Spider and related games.
Removal game
A solitaire style focused on clearing cards by value-based matches or pairings instead of building full foundations.
Best related pages
Good game pages to test these terms
Why a glossary helps
Search visitors often land on one page first. A glossary helps them decode the vocabulary quickly and move into deeper rules or strategy pages without friction.