How to Play Peg Solitaire
Peg solitaire is a one-player board game from the 1600s. Thirty-two pegs sit on a cross-shaped board of 33 holes, with the centre empty.
The rules
- A peg jumps over a neighbouring peg into the empty hole directly beyond it.
- The jumped peg is removed.
- Jumps go across or down, never diagonally.
- Keep jumping until no jump is left.
The goal
Leave as few pegs as possible. The classic goal is one peg, in the centre hole. That needs 31 jumps.
On kawu
- Tap a peg, then the hole to jump to (possible holes are outlined). Or drag the peg.
- Unlimited undo, so you can experiment.
- The hint shows a jump that still leads to a perfect finish from where you are.
Frequently asked questions
Can pegs jump diagonally in peg solitaire?
No. Jumps are only across or down, over one neighbouring peg into the empty hole directly beyond it.
Is it possible to finish with one peg in the centre?
Yes, from the standard start with the centre empty. It takes 31 jumps, and the hint on kawu always knows a way to get there.
Last updated 2026-10-20