ProSolitaire › Common Solitaire Mistakes

Common Solitaire Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Most lost Klondike games come down to a few habits. Here are seven common mistakes and what to do instead. For a full list of ideas, see our strategy tips.

1. Drawing from the stock too soon

It's tempting to flip through the stock right away. But if you still have useful moves on the tableau, make them first. Drawing early can leave a card stuck in the waste pile when you need it.

2. Emptying a column with no King ready

An empty column is only useful if a King can go into it. If you clear a column and no King is available, the space may sit unused while other cards are blocked.

3. Moving a King to an empty column for no reason

Moving a King from one empty column to another doesn't change anything, and it uses up the space. Only move a King if it uncovers a hidden card.

4. Ignoring the column with the most face-down cards

The more face-down cards a column has, the more of the game is hidden inside it. Whenever you can, work on that column first.

5. Sending cards to the foundations too early

Aces and 2s can go up right away. But a mid-range card such as a 6 may still be needed on the tableau to hold a 5 of the opposite color. Check before you send it up.

6. Putting the wrong card on a pile

When two cards of the same color could go on the same card, think about which one you'll need later. Choose the move that uncovers something or keeps the other card free to play.

7. Giving up too early (or forgetting Undo)

A game that looks stuck often isn't. Use Undo to go back a few moves and try a different order. If it really is stuck, you can start a new game, because not every deal can be won.