Solitaire Strategy for Beginners: 10 Essential Tips

Simple tips to win more games

Learning a few basic strategies will dramatically improve your solitaire win rate. Here are the most important tips for new players.

1. Move Aces Immediately

Whenever you draw or reveal an Ace, move it to the foundation right away. Same with 2s once the matching Ace is in place. Building foundations early gives you more flexibility.

2. Expose Hidden Cards First

Prioritize moves that flip over face-down cards. The more face-up cards you have, the more choices you have. Don't just move cards around the tableau without revealing new ones.

3. Keep Columns Empty When Possible

An empty column is very valuable — it can hold any card temporarily. Don't fill empty columns unless you have a King ready to place there.

4. Think Before You Draw

Before clicking the stock pile, check if you can make any moves with existing cards. Drawing from stock should be a last resort after exploring all tableau options.

5. Balance Your Sequences

Try to build tableau sequences that balance red and black cards. Avoid creating long sequences that block cards you need for the foundation.

FAQ

What's the best first move?

Look for an Ace first. If no Ace is visible, try to reveal face-down cards in the longer columns (columns 4-7).

Is solitaire a game of luck or skill?

Both! The initial deal is random, but skilled players win significantly more often by making better decisions with the same cards.

Should I always play Turn 1?

Yes, for beginners. Turn 1 mode shows one card at a time, giving you more control and more chances to win.