General Solitaire Questions
What is solitaire?
Solitaire is a genre of single-player card games, also known as Patience in many parts of the world. The most common variant is Klondike Solitaire, which most people simply call “Solitaire.” The goal is to sort a standard 52-card deck into four foundation piles, each organized by suit in ascending order from Ace to King.
Solitaire games have been played for centuries and remain among the most popular card games in the world. The game was introduced to millions of computer users through Microsoft Solitaire in 1990, and today it is played by hundreds of millions of people online.
Are all solitaire games winnable?
Not all solitaire games are winnable. The win rate varies significantly by variant:
| Variant | Estimated Win Rate |
|---|---|
| FreeCell | ~99.99% |
| TriPeaks | ~90% |
| Klondike | ~80% |
| Spider (1-suit) | ~99% |
| Spider (4-suit) | ~33% |
| Yukon | ~25% |
| Golf | ~5–10% |
| Pyramid (strict) | ~2% |
If you find yourself unable to win a particular game, it may simply be an unwinnable deal. Start a new game and try again.
What is the easiest solitaire game for beginners?
FreeCell is often recommended for beginners who enjoy strategy, since nearly every game is winnable and all cards are visible from the start. TriPeaks is ideal for casual players who want fast, easy-to-learn gameplay with a high win rate.
See our guide on Best Solitaire Variants for Beginners for detailed recommendations.
What is the difference between solitaire and patience?
They are the same type of game. Solitaire is the term used primarily in North America, while Patience is used in the United Kingdom, Europe, and many other regions. Both refer to single-player card games where the objective is to organize cards according to specific rules.
Gameplay Questions
How many cards are used in solitaire?
This depends on the variant:
- Klondike, FreeCell, TriPeaks, Pyramid, Golf, Yukon: 1 deck (52 cards)
- Spider Solitaire: 2 decks (104 cards)
What is the difference between Klondike and FreeCell?
| Feature | Klondike | FreeCell |
|---|---|---|
| Cards visible | Mostly face-down | All face-up |
| Luck factor | Moderate | Very low |
| Win rate | ~80% | ~99.99% |
| Free cells | None | 4 temporary storage cells |
| Tableau columns | 7 | 8 |
Can you move cards back from the foundation?
In most variants (Klondike, Yukon, FreeCell), yes — you can move a card from the foundation back to the tableau. This is often a useful strategic move to unlock other cards.
What happens when you run out of moves?
If you run out of moves and the stock pile is empty, the game is over. Not every game is winnable, so this is a normal outcome. Start a new game and try again.
Scoring and Strategy
How is solitaire scored?
Standard Klondike scoring:
| Move | Points |
|---|---|
| Waste → Foundation | +10 |
| Waste → Tableau | +5 |
| Tableau → Foundation | +10 |
| Turn over tableau card | +5 |
| Foundation → Tableau | −15 |
What are the best solitaire strategies?
- Always play Aces and Twos to the foundation immediately
- Expose face-down cards as your top priority
- Keep foundation piles balanced — do not build one far ahead
- Do not empty tableau columns without a King ready
- Think several moves ahead rather than making the first available move
Read our comprehensive Solitaire Strategy and Tips guide for in-depth strategies.
About Solitaire Royale
Is Solitaire Royale really free?
Yes — Solitaire Royale is completely free to play. No downloads, no sign-ups, no hidden fees.
What solitaire games can I play on Solitaire Royale?
We offer Klondike Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, FreeCell, TriPeaks, Pyramid, Golf, and Yukon, with more variants being added regularly.
Does Solitaire Royale work on mobile?
Yes — our site is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.