As far as the Solitaire game goes, it’s one of the most exciting card games anyone can play using actual deck(s) of cards or the computer version online. Solitaire games are a fun way to spend leisurely time and relax your brain while improving focus.
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.
However, Solitaire games also require a certain level of strategy and thinking, making people wonder, “Is every game of solitaire winnable?”. We are here with all the information you need and more. Let’s dive in.
Also Read: 15 Best Free Solitaire Apps To Win Real Money in 2025
Is Solitaire Always Winnable?
So, is every game of solitaire winnable? The shortest answer to that question is ‘No’. So, now it’s time to turn towards applied mathematics.
While not every game of Solitaire is winnable, certain factors can increase the winnability rate. Since Solitaire is an umbrella term covering various card games, each with unique rules and winning probabilities, assigning actual values to the latter becomes challenging.
There’s absolutely no way to ensure that 100% of games are winnable. Even when that’s the case, the game is delightful in its distinct forms, and the joy of winning is addictive. To sum it up, not all solitaire games can be won, but a solid number is winnable. So, what percent of solitaire games are winnable? Around 80% of Solitaire games are winnable on average. That said, giving an absolute value can be difficult since you are unaware of the position of all the cards.
The Solitaire game variant with the best winning odds is FreeCell, which boasts a 99% winning probability. Oddly enough, Pyramid, considered one of the most straightforward variants of Solitaire, comes with the most negligible chances of winning, with odds varying between 0.5% and 5.5%.
What Percentage of The Solitaire Game is Winnable?
If you are wondering, ‘Can you always win in a solitaire game?’ You now know the answer. However, the winnability aspect of Solitaire games depends on the variant in question. Mathematicians have developed a method of understanding difficult questions such as the percentage of winnable Solitaire games called Monte Carlo.
The Monte Carlo simulation offers a possible range of probabilities and outcomes for any course of action. Professionals in industries like finance, insurance, and engineering use this method for analytical purposes.
Although one can perform these calculations by hand, we use computers more often for repetitive actions (in the case of many games) and better accuracy. As playing all the games, each with its unique sets of possibilities, was practically impossible, a Jupiter Scientific team member played a hundred games with all face-up cards to ascertain winnability.
They concluded that 79% of the games played were solvable. About sixteen games could not be won by any means, and the final five games remained heavily disputed. Applying the Monte Carlo method showcased a 79% winnability.
The Odds of Winning The Game 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.
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Klondike Solitaire: About 1 in 30 games.
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FreeCell: Nearly 99% of games are winnable.
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Spider Solitaire: Varies by difficulty; about 1 in 3 for beginner, much lower for advanced.
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Pyramid Solitaire: Around 1 in 50 games.
1 Card and 3 Card Deals
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:
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Winning hands: Always winnable with the right moves.
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50/50 hands: Can win or lose based on your choices.
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Losing hands: No way to win, no matter how you play.
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Unplayable hands: No possible moves from the start.
So, if you want to know if can you always win in solitaire, you have your answer right here. These are the four hands you will generally encounter.
Common Solitaire Terminologies
Here are some common solitaire terminology you must know to increase your odds of winning solitaire. How? Knowing these terminologies allows for a smooth gameplay where you can only focus on your strategy and nothing else.
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Tableau: The main playing area where cards are arranged in columns
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Foundation pile: The foundation piles are where you aim to build each suit from Ace to King
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Stock or Draw pile: The pile of remaining cards to draw from
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Waste: The pile where cards from the stock are placed when they can’t be played
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Columns: Stacks of cards in the tableau
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Face-up: Visible Cards
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Face-down: Cards that are not visible
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Move: Transferring a card or group of cards to a different pile
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Sequence: A consecutive order of cards not of the same suit
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Suit: One of the four card types, which include hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades
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Shuffle: Mixing the deck before play
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Redeal: Starting the game over with a new shuffle
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King: Highest ranking card in solitaire
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Ace: Lowest ranking card in solitaire
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Auto-play: Automatically moving cards to the foundation when possible
Get the full Solitaire Game Terminology: Complete Illustrated Solitaire Glossary
Tips To Play Solitaire To Win
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!
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.
Find out Is Spider Solitaire always solvable?
FAQs
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.
Is Solitaire skill or luck?
It is safe to say that Solitaire is a mix of skill and strategy where you are well aware of the rules. This can determine victory.
Is there a trick to winning solitaire?
Yes, to improve your chances of winning Solitaire, there are a few tricks you can try, such as
-Always try to move aces and deuces to the foundation piles immediately.
-Focus on uncovering hidden cards first.
-Try to uncover large stacks.
-Don’t automatically move cards to the foundation because sometimes they are needed in the tableau.
