As far as the Solitaire game goes, it’s one of the most exciting card games anyone can play using an actual deck of cards or the computer version online. Solitaire games are a fun way to spend leisurely time and relax your brain while improving focus.
Solitaire games also require a certain level of strategy and thinking, making people wonder, “Is every game of solitaire winnable?”. And what about the most popular variant, the spider solitaire? Is spider solitaire always solvable?
There are several Solitaire variants, which include the very popular Klondike games, Spider, Freecell, Tripeaks, Pyramid, and many more. The different variants of Solitaire share many similarities, especially since they are designed to be played by a single player (hence, the name “Solitaire“). Nonetheless, more minor nuances of each game render them unique and challenging in their own right. In fact, you also have online variants with multiplayer options.
So, here’s a guide to understanding the question “Are all games of spider solitaire winnable?” and the probability of winning the game.
Also Read: 15 Best Free Solitaire Apps To Win Real Money in 2025
Is Spider Solitaire Always Solvable?
Unlike many other card games, Spider Solitaire offers a unique blend of relaxation and mental engagement. It helps reduce stress while keeping the brain actively engaged, making it a great choice for all players. But are all games of spider solitaire winnable?
While the goal is always to solve and win the game, not every game of Spider Solitaire is winnable. However, the right strategy can help win most games.
The solvability of Spider Solitaire depends on the variant you are playing. The four-suit version is by far the most challenging, while games with fewer suits are significantly easier and faster to complete.
Also, a single wrong move can make the game unwinnable and can lead to a deadlock. A game is considered winnable if there is at least one possible path to victory. However, in four-suit Spider Solitaire, winning without using the undo option is extremely difficult unless you have substantial experience.
When multiple paths to victory exist, the chances of finding a winning strategy increase. However, if there is only one correct sequence of moves, even minor mistakes can make the game unsolvable. So, is spider solitaire always winnable? You now understand the answer!
Spider Solitaire Win Percentage
Most studies agree that the winning probability of Spider Solitaire stands between 98.8% and 99.9%. In theory, this means there is a high probability of winning almost every game despite the number of suits in use.
Nonetheless, the odds of winning are possibly much lower, as certain games only offer a single path to victory. If the player picks a different route or makes a mistake, the chances of solving the game are next to none.
Also, in a normal game of Spider Solitaire, the players have no clue about the position of each card and their suit. Spider Solitaire offers a one out of three winning chance, especially given the odds of following the wrong path are higher. The odds can significantly vary based on the number of suits employed and the possibility of undoing your moves.
If you’re purely looking for numbers, the highest percentage winning is around 3.65%, with two decks and four suits. With two decks and two suits, it rises to about 38.5%, whereas with two decks and one suit, it drastically increases to 91.3%.
What is the Highest Score on Spider Solitaire?
At any point in a single game, your score will be equivalent to five hundred (500) points plus an added hundred (100) points for any completed suit stack. A worthwhile high score seems to be anything in the range of 1170 – 1250, implying it took over fifty moves to win the game. Nevertheless, the highest possible score varies with the game you’re playing and its circumstances, especially the number of suits.
Is Solitaire Always Winnable?
Now that we’ve explored Spider Solitaire, let’s turn to the classic game. Are all games of solitaire winnable? The shortest answer is no. Now, let’s dive into the mathematics behind it.
While not every game of Solitaire can be won, certain factors influence the likelihood of winning. Since Solitaire is an umbrella term covering various card games, each with unique rules and probabilities, assigning an exact winnability rate is challenging.
There’s no way to guarantee that 100% of games are winnable. Even so, the game remains enjoyable in its different forms, and the satisfaction of winning is addictive. To sum it up, not all Solitaire games are winnable, but a significant number can be won.
What Percentage of The Solitaire Game is Winnable?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you always win a game of Solitaire?” you now know the answer. The winnability of Solitaire games depends on the specific variant being played. To better understand the percentage of winnable Solitaire games, mathematicians have applied a statistical method called Monte Carlo simulation.
The Monte Carlo simulation provides a range of probabilities and possible outcomes for various scenarios. It is widely used for analytical purposes in fields such as finance, insurance, and engineering.
While these calculations can be performed manually, computers are typically used for greater accuracy and efficiency, especially when analyzing thousands of games. Since playing every possible game with its unique card arrangements was impractical, a Jupiter Scientific team member played 100 games with all face-up cards to determine winnability.
Their findings revealed that 79% of the games were solvable, while 16 games were impossible to win by any means. The remaining 5 games were heavily disputed. By applying the Monte Carlo method, researchers estimated that 79% of Solitaire games are winnable.
Factors Influencing Solvability In Solitaire Games
The ability to win a game of solitaire depends on several factors, and some of them are:
Game Rules and Variations
Different solitaire versions have varying win rates. For example, FreeCell boasts a 99% solvability rate, while Pyramid’sis between 0.5% and 5.5%.
Card Distribution
The initial arrangement of cards affects the game’s difficulty. Some layouts create impossible situations where no moves can be made. If key cards are blocked or sequences are unfavorable, the game may become unsolvable, regardless of the player’s skill level or strategy.
Player Strategy
A well-thought-out strategy can greatly improve a player’s chances of winning. Careful planning, uncovering hidden cards early, and making efficient moves can turn a difficult game into a winnable one. Even when a game is solvable, poor decision-making can lead to failure.
The Odds of Winning Other Popular Games Of Solitaire
Now, let’s take a look at the odds of winning the Solitaire game. Remember, it’s not an unsolvable game. However, even the regular game of solitaire requires a robust strategy to enhance your odds of winning.
| Solitaire Game | Odds of Winning |
| Klondike Solitaire | About 1 in 30 games |
| FreeCell | Nearly 99% of games are winnable |
| Spider Solitaire | Varies by difficulty. But, about 1 in 3 for beginners and much lower for advanced players. |
| Pyramid Solitaire | Around 1 in 50 games |
| TriPeaks Solitaire | Around 90% of games are winnable |
| Yukon Solitaire | Estimated 75-80% solvability with good strategy |
| Scorpion Solitaire | More challenging, estimated 50-60% solvability |
| Golf Solitaire | Around 1 in 5 games (20%) can be won |
| Canfield Solitaire | Very low win rate, estimated 1 in 20 games |
What Are 1-Card and 3-Card Deals In Solitaire?
In solitaire, a 1-card deal needs at least 76 moves to win. This includes 24 automatic moves to place cards directly into the foundation, 24 more moves to sort these cards, and 28 moves to manage the rest.
For a 3-card deal, a minimum of 60 moves is needed. You draw three cards simultaneously, revealing one card per draw, with eight draws to see all 24 cards. Then, after 24 moves, place these cards into the foundation.
Thus, 24 automatic moves, 24 sorting moves, and 12 additional moves (including drawing cards) total up to 60 moves.
Solitaire and Four Hands
In solitaire, there are four types of hands:
- Winning hands: Always winnable with the right moves.
- 50/50 hands: Can win or lose based on your choices.
- Losing hands: No way to win, no matter how you play.
- Unplayable hands: No possible moves from the start.
So, if you want to know the answer to ‘Can you always win in solitaire’, the answer is right here. These are the four hands you will generally encounter.
Tips To Increase Winning Chances in Classic and Spider Solitaire
Now, are all games of solitaire winnable? Maybe not! However, knowing these tips increases your odds of winning solitaire and turning it into a winnable game! You can use these tips to enhance your spider solitaire game as well.
Prioritize Uncovering Hidden Cards
Focus on turning over face-down cards in the tableau to reveal new cards. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to do the same, as you may not get the same change again. This increases your options and helps you progress in the game.
Use the Stock Pile Wisely
Draw cards from the stockpile only when you have no other moves available in the tableau when playing Solitaire. This helps keep your options open and avoids unnecessary cycling through the stockpile.
Plan Moves Ahead
Think a few steps ahead before making a move. Consider how each move will affect the tableau and your ability to uncover hidden cards or build sequences. Making strategic decisions can prevent getting stuck later in the game. You can also try Spider Solitaire Solver. An online Spider Solitaire solver can help you analyze tricky situations and discover if your current game is actually winnable.
For more tips on the online version of Spider Solitaire, click here.
FAQs
What is a good score in spider solitaire?
In Spider Solitaire, players start with 500 points. Each move subtracts one point while completing a suit sequence adds 100 points. Therefore, achieving a good score depends on reducing moves and successfully completing all suits. For example, completing all eight suits with minimal moves can yield a score of around 1180.
What percent of solitaire games are winnable?
The winnability of Solitaire games varies by variant. For Klondike Solitaire, studies suggest that between 82% and 91.5% of games are solvable. However, actual win rates can be lower due to the complexity of the game and the strategies employed by the player.
Does solitaire always have a solution?
Not every Solitaire game has a guaranteed solution. While a significant percentage are winnable, some games are unsolvable due to the initial card arrangement.
What is the trick to winning Solitaire?
The very first thing you must do to turn a Solitaire game into a winnable game is to understand the rules. Next, have a strategy in hand to win. While the game of Solitaire is simple, coming up with a winnable strategy takes the cake.
