7 Tips to win more often at solitaire

Game over. You have to restart or choose a new deal.

Yet, despite its share of luck, Solitaire primarily rewards strategy and a bit of patience.

Here are 7 important tips to help you win more games.

1. Turn over hidden cards as quickly as possible

It’s basic advice, but one many players forget. Every card you uncover opens up new possibilities, so whenever you can, focus on revealing as many face-down cards as possible.

For example, if you hesitate between moving a card from an already-open column or uncovering a hidden card in another column, choose the latter. The more cards you see, the more choices you have — and having more choices is what leads to victory.

2. Clear a column whenever possible

An empty column is freedom. You can place a King there, often followed by a full sequence. Prioritize moves that create empty columns, because they make it much easier to reorganize your layout later.

Think of it like tidying up your desk or living room — as long as everything’s cluttered, it’s hard to see clearly, and you’ll feel like you’re going in circles.

3. Don’t be too quick to move cards to the foundations

It’s tempting, of course: placing an Ace, then a Two, then a Three… it gives a satisfying sense of progress. But sometimes, keeping certain cards on the tableau can be more strategic.

For instance, if you move your red cards to the foundation too early, you may run out of black cards to place on top of them. Keep some flexibility, especially at the beginning of the game. And occasionally, don’t hesitate to take cards back from the foundations to create new possibilities.

4. Plan ahead with colors

Try to keep a balance between red and black cards. If your tableau becomes all red on one side and all black on the other, your options will shrink quickly.

A smart player’s tip: pay attention to the cards you draw from the deck and plan your next moves before placing them. Solitaire isn’t a game of speed, but of rhythm.

Some players even say that having a “mono-color” tableau gives you more control when the opposite color appears — maybe it’s a visual thing, but it works for some.

5. Use the draw pile strategically

When you draw a new card, don’t rush to play it immediately. First, check what moves are available on the tableau before integrating the new one. In short: only use the draw pile card when no other move is available.

If you play in “draw three” mode, try to remember the order of visible cards in the deck — this will help you anticipate your next turns.

6. Don’t block long sequences

Moving an entire sequence (like from 10 to 7) may seem helpful at first, but if it blocks an essential card underneath, you could end up stuck.

Before moving a sequence, always ask yourself what you’re freeing up in return. If the card below has been hidden since the beginning, it’s probably a good idea — otherwise, wait for a better moment.

7. And above all… Take your time!

Solitaire is a game of patience — the name says it all. Even online, where everything goes faster, it’s better to observe for a few extra seconds than to make a hasty move.

You’ve probably noticed it yourself: the winning games are often the ones where you took the time to analyze the tableau carefully.