Solitaire Strategy Guide

Always Flip Face-Down Cards First

Your top priority should be revealing face-down cards in the tableau. Moves that expose hidden cards give you more options and information. If you have a choice between two equally valid moves, always choose the one that flips a face-down card.

King Placement Strategy

Kings are the only cards that can fill empty tableau columns, so manage them carefully:

• Don't empty a tableau column unless you have a King ready to fill it.
• If you have a choice of which King to place, prefer the one that will uncover more face-down cards.
• Try to build evenly across columns rather than creating one very long column.

When to Move to Foundation

Moving cards to the foundation is the goal, but timing matters:

• Move Aces and 2s to the foundation immediately — they serve no purpose in the tableau.
• For cards 3 and above, consider whether you might need the card in the tableau to build sequences.
• Keep foundation piles roughly even. If you have hearts built to 7 but clubs only to 2, you may get stuck.

Stock Management

In Draw 3 mode, go through the entire stock before making major tableau decisions. This gives you complete information about what cards are available. In Draw 1 mode, you can be more opportunistic since every card will eventually become accessible.

Color Balance

Since tableau building alternates colors, try to keep your builds balanced between red and black. If you build a long sequence that's all one color pattern, you may block yourself from making future moves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Moving cards to the foundation too eagerly — you may need them in the tableau.
2. Emptying columns without a King to fill them — this wastes a valuable playing spot.
3. Focusing only on the stock and ignoring tableau-to-tableau moves that reveal face-down cards.
4. Not going through the entire stock before making big decisions in Draw 3 mode.

Draw 1 vs Draw 3: Which to Choose?

Draw 1 is significantly easier with an estimated win rate of around 80%. Draw 3 is the traditional and more challenging mode with a win rate around 10-20%. Choose Draw 1 for a relaxing experience and Draw 3 for a real challenge.