What is a tableau in solitaire?

In solitaire, a tableau refers to the main playing area where most of the gameplay takes place. It typically consists of one or more rows of cards that are organized in a specific layout. The tableau is where players can move cards around, either building on the foundation piles or creating new sequences within the tableau itself.

The number of cards in each tableau row varies depending on the specific solitaire variation being played. In games like Klondike or Spider Solitaire, the tableau starts with a certain number of cards already dealt face down, with some of them turned face up as the game progresses. In other variations, such as Pyramid or Golf Solitaire, all cards in the tableau are dealt face up from the beginning.

Players can usually move cards within the tableau according to certain rules, such as building in descending order and alternating colors. The ultimate goal of most solitaire games is to move all cards to the foundation piles, often by creating sequences of cards in ascending order and of the same suit. Thus, the tableau serves as the primary space where players can strategize and make decisions to accomplish this objective.