How to Play Kings in the Corner Card Game
Nov 7, 2026 · The Editors
How to play Kings in the Corner: the cross layout, playing down in alternating colours, placing Kings in the corners, moving piles, going out and scoring — with 2 players or up to 4.
Kings in the Corner is a gentle, social card game — think solitaire played together around a table. It is a long-time favourite at family gatherings and in retirement communities, and it plays well with two or four.
What you need
- 2 to 4 players.
- One standard 52-card deck, no jokers.
Setup
- Deal seven cards to each player.
- Put the rest face down in the centre as the stock.
- Turn four cards face up, one on each side of the stock — north, south, east and west — making a cross. These are the four foundation piles.
The four corners between them are empty for now. That is where the Kings go.
How cards are played
Cards are played down in rank and alternating colour, just like solitaire:
- A red 9 goes on a black 10.
- A black 4 goes on a red 5.
Aces are low; nothing goes on an Ace.
A turn
- Draw one card from the stock at the start of your turn.
- Then make as many plays as you can:
- When you cannot or choose not to play any more, your turn ends.
Some rules have you draw at the end of your turn instead of the start. Agree before you begin.
Going out
The first player to get rid of every card in their hand wins the hand.
Scoring
Each other player counts penalty points for the cards left in their hand. The usual count:
- Kings: 10 points each.
- Every other card: 1 point.
Play to an agreed limit — 25 or 50 — and the lowest score when someone passes it wins. Or simply play for the hand.
Kings in the Corner with 2 players
The rules are the same. With two, each player holds a bigger share of the deck over time, so hands run longer and the play is more tactical.
Kings in the Corner solitaire
You can play alone: deal yourself seven cards and play the same way, drawing one card each turn. The goal is to empty your hand before the stock runs out.
Tips
- Hold on to Kings until a corner opens up where you can follow with a Queen.
- Move piles early to open spaces on the cross — an empty space takes any card.
- Play your highest cards first; they cost more if someone else goes out.
With seven cards that grow to many more on a bad hand, a wooden card holder keeps everything in view and is kinder to stiff fingers. A large-index deck helps everyone read the cross across the table.
