Solitaire: Strategies to Win Over 80% of Games

Statistically, about 80% of Klondike Solitaire games are winnable. If you win less than 30%, it's not bad luck — it's bad strategy.

Rule 1: Always Flip the Hidden Card

Prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards. A face-down card is hidden information; every card you flip gives you more options. If you must choose between two equally good moves, pick the one that reveals a hidden card.

Rule 2: Don't Empty a Column Without a King

An empty column can only be filled with a King. If you empty a column and don't have a King available, you've wasted a valuable space. Plan before clearing.

Rule 3: Aces and Twos, Move Up Immediately

Always move Aces and Twos to the foundation piles as soon as they appear. There's no situation where keeping them down is beneficial.

Rule 4: Be Careful Moving Up Too Fast

From 3s onward, think before moving cards to the foundation. A card in the foundation can no longer be used as support in the columns. Sometimes that red 5 is more useful below to move a black 4.

Stock Management

Go through the entire stock at least once before making tough decisions. Knowing what cards are in the stock completely changes your strategy.