Solitaire (also called Patience in British English) is a category of single-player card games. When most people say "Solitaire," they mean Klondike, the version popularized by Microsoft Windows. The objective is to sort all 52 cards into four foundation piles by suit, from Ace to King.

Is Solitaire a game of luck or skill?

Both. The initial deal determines which games are winnable, but skill affects whether you actually win those winnable games. Studies show that approximately 79-82% of Klondike deals are solvable with optimal play, but the average player only wins about 43% of the time. This gap between theoretical and actual win rates demonstrates the role of skill.

Can every game of Solitaire be won?

No. Roughly 18-21% of randomly dealt Klondike games are mathematically impossible to win, regardless of strategy. No sequence of moves can solve them. This was confirmed by computer analysis of billions of deals.

What is the difference between Solitaire and Patience?

They are the same thing. "Patience" is the traditional British and European term, while "Solitaire" is more common in North America. In continental Europe, the game is known by various names: "Kabale" (Scandinavia), "Patience" (Germany), and "Reussite" (France).

Can I move cards back from the foundation?

In standard Klondike rules, yes. You can move the top card of any foundation pile back to the tableau if it helps your strategy. However, some computer versions and strict variants prohibit this.

How many times can I go through the stock pile?

In casual play, you can go through the stock pile an unlimited number of times. However, some scoring systems deduct points for each recycling. In competitive Solitaire and some variants, the number of passes may be limited (typically 1-3 passes).

What is the difference between draw-one and draw-three?

Draw-One: You flip one card at a time from the stock to the waste pile. Every card is available for play. This is the easier mode. Draw-Three: You flip three cards at a time, but only the top card of the three is playable. The other two remain blocked until the top card is removed. This is significantly harder.

Can I place any card in an empty tableau column?

No. Only a King (or a valid descending sequence starting with a King) can be placed in an empty tableau column. This is one of the most important rules in Klondike.

Do I have to move an Ace to the foundation immediately?

No rule forces you to, but it is almost always the correct strategic move. Aces serve no purpose in the tableau since no card can be placed on top of them.

How does standard Solitaire scoring work?

The most common scoring system (used in Microsoft Solitaire): Waste to Tableau: +5 points Waste to Foundation: +10 points Tableau to Foundation: +10 points Turning over a tableau card: +5 points Foundation to Tableau: -15 points Recycling stock: -100 points (draw-one) or -20 points (draw-three)

What is Vegas scoring?

In Vegas scoring, you start with a debt of -52 points (representing a $52 buy-in). Each card moved to the foundation earns +5 points. The maximum possible score is +208 (52 cards x 5 = 260, minus 52 = 208). You "profit" only if you move more than 11 cards to foundations.

What is a good Solitaire score?

In standard scoring: Below 500: Beginner 500-600: Intermediate 600-650: Advanced 650-700: Expert Above 700: Exceptional (with bonus time points)

Card Games

Solitaire (Klondike)

Beginner

The Classic Solo Card Game

Expert Reviewedby Card Games Academy Editorial Team

The world's most-played solo card game. Arrange cards by suit from Ace to King in foundation piles while organizing the tableau in alternating colors. A perfect blend of strategy and luck that has entertained millions since the 18th century.

Reviewed by Card Games Academy Editorial Team · Traditional Card Games Researchers

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

Klondike Solitaire is a single-player card game where you arrange cards by suit in ascending order from Ace to King on foundation piles, using a tableau of seven columns and a stock pile.

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