Are All Solitaire Games Winnable?

You’ve just lost a game of Solitaire, and you’re staring at the screen like, “Was that even winnable?”

Spoiler alert: Not always.

While Solitaire might look like pure logic and skill, the truth is a little messier; kind of like a deck after your dog knocks it off the table.

Let’s talk about what makes a game of Solitaire winnable, why some rounds are impossible no matter how hard you try, and how to know the difference.

So… Can Every Solitaire Game Be Won?

Short answer: Nope.
Longer answer: It depends on the version you’re playing.

Some versions of Solitaire are designed so that nearly every game can be won; if you make the right moves. Others? Not so much.

Let’s break it down by type:

Klondike (a.k.a. Classic Solitaire)

• This is the version most people know and love (thanks, Windows 95!).

• But here's the twist: Not all games are winnable.

• Estimates say around 79% of Klondike deals are solvable with perfect play.

• That means even if you’re a strategy genius, about 1 in 5 games are un-winnable from the start.

FreeCell

Now here’s where it gets juicy:

• Every card is visible from the start.

• That means luck takes a backseat, and strategy runs the show.

• Of the first 32,000 games in Microsoft FreeCell, only one (game #11982) was proven to be un-winnable.

• So yes, almost every FreeCell game is winnable, but they can be tough.

Spider Solitaire

• Spider’s a different beast. Double decks, no obvious moves, and a slow burn to victory.

• Depending on the number of suits you play with, the win rate changes a lot:

  • 1 suit: 100% winnable with effort

  • 2 suits: more challenging, but many are winnable

  • 4 suits: brutal, many games are not winnable

Spider rewards patience, big-picture thinking, and probably a snack break.

What Makes a Solitaire Game Un-winnable?

Good question! Here are a few reasons:

• The cards you need are buried under a sequence you can’t reach

• You’re stuck in a loop where every move brings you back to the same problem

• You run out of moves before getting any aces out (we’ve all been there)

Sometimes, it’s not you—it’s the shuffle.

Can You Tell If a Game Is Winnable Before Playing?

Unfortunately… not really.

Solitaire doesn’t come with a “Win Possible” meter. But! You can develop a sense for games that have potential vs. total lost causes.

Watch for:

• Early access to Aces

• Lots of face-down cards that you can reach quickly

• Open columns early in the game (these give you flexibility)

Still, the only way to know for sure is to play it out. And hey, even a losing game can be a relaxing mental break.

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Wins

Want to improve your odds? Try these:

• Always move cards to the foundation when it’s safe

• Don’t empty a column unless you have a King ready

• Use undo to test moves (you’re not cheating, you’re learning!)

• Practice on games that reveal all cards, like FreeCell, to build strategy skills

What About Solitaire Home Story?

Great question! In Solitaire Home Story, levels are carefully designed to be winnable; so your skill and strategy really shine.

No impossible setups. No rage-quits (unless you really dislike curtains in Alice’s house).
Just a satisfying mix of logic, luck, and progress that keeps things fun and fair.

Final Shuffle: Are All Solitaire Games Winnable?

Nope, but that’s what makes it interesting.

Some games are unbeatable from the first deal. Others take perfect planning. And then there are those sweet, satisfying wins where every move just clicks.

Whether you win or lose, every game of Solitaire exercises your brain, builds focus, and gives you a few moments of calm in your day. And that’s a win in our book.

Want a Solitaire Game That’s Always Worth Playing?

Try Solitaire Home Story—classic card play meets heartwarming storytelling and interior design goals. Bonus: every level is designed to be winnable with the right moves.

So go on, deal yourself in.