8 Strategies to Win at Solitaire

When the game solitaire hit its public debut, it paved a way for people to familiarize the use of mouse and drag-drop rule of playing it. Although many people have known to play it thru the desktop, it’s also available widely on mobile devices today. This addictive game with 52 decks of playing cards never goes out of style!

 

In solitaire, there are two types of cards. The first one is the downward-facing cards, while the other one is the upward-facing cards. The cards facing upward are known as the single cards with their value shown and revealed at the end of the stack. Your task is to make a board of cards, beginning in the downward face position, and then moving them into 4 piles based on their suit while facing upward.

 

There are many variations of solitaire you’ll encounter. Some require more skills than others. One good example is Klondike solitaire, which is the standard version of the basic solitaire. Probably you might wonder whether it requires strategy or luck to win. The answer is that it depends on the solitaire version you plan to play.

 

Whether you believe in luck or not, it would still be better if you equip yourself with some tricks and tips to optimize your playing strategy.

 

Increase your winning chances with these tips

1. Understand the rules

Learning the rules of every game you plan to play is vital. Solitaire is not an exception to that and since it is a tricky game, you should spend your time learning it. You have a higher chance of winning if you know what you need to do so you can plan your strategy.

 

Aside from the rules, you also need to understand the features of the solitaire game you plan to play. Most solitaire games have one or more 52 card decks. You are expected to create various foundations in order and suit by moving and placing particular cards into position.

 

However, the primary thing you need to learn is how to set up a solitaire. This is the important yet trickiest part. The solitaire setup has four areas namely tableau, foundations, stock, and talon or waste. Understanding how each card is used will be your key to winning solitaire.

 

1. Aim for larger stacks first

When targeting those hidden cards, it would be wise to expose those columns with larger stacks first. By doing this, you have a higher chance of disclosing useful cards that can be utilized to build your piles of revealed cards. It is also important if you begin to move all the cards from the stockpile. Once you finished the moves, you can now deal with the cards from the deck.

 

1.  Distribute tableau piles evenly

One common mistake of many players is that they try to complete a single pile. If you can keep two piles with four piles and then combine them to create a single pile of eight, just separate them if you have no plans of revealing a downcard. 

 

It would be better to separate small piles because you can get a bigger set choice. If you have a room for only two stacks, try to make it opposing. For example, if you have a red Kind on your first pile, then try making a black King on the second pile.

 

1. Move faster if your time is tracked

If you are playing online or in a tournament with time tracking, you need to move quickly because time will affect your score. You need to be fast in moving cards so you can have a bonus after the game. Some solitaire versions let players move cards from the foundation to the tableau. However, it is not allowed on timed solitaire, and you can even be penalized for doing so.

 

1. Mind the color when filling spaces

Looking to fill that spot with either a red or black King is a huge move that you need to think through wisely. Remember that the King’s color will determine the pile’s order color until you reach the end of the game.

 

You need to thoroughly analyze the cards and maintain the right sequence. For example, foundation piles are made of Aces to Kings when it comes to suit, while sequences include Kings to Aces.

 

1. Deal with your face down cards first

If you have a choice to free up your face-down cards, do it. Likewise, if you can play the card in the stockpile, play it on the tableau. Note that you need to target the longest face-down piles.

 

Talking about handling cards, you might want to play Kings solely if you want to anticipate a real deal of benefits. If you can remember it right, Kings are the only cards that have the power to fill a free space cell. So do not move them if you can’t see any benefits. Cleverly develop your foundation slowly but surely.

 

1. Create stacks of similar suits

This is a clever and important tip. Applying this will give you the ease to work upon a free stuck card from your face-down cards. But this is not possible in all situations. It’s just better if you keep this as an option. 

 

For example, if you have a 7S card that blocks those face-down cards and you currently do not have 5H/4S, you have the option to release piles of 7C, 6D, 5C, 4D, and 6C, 5D, 4S if you got them. After that, you can now place your 7S right where the 7C was formerly to free the face-down card. 

 

1. Do not empty a spot without a King

You should not remove all your cards from the slots if you do not have a plan. Emptying your tableau spots without the King will leave it fully empty because only Kings can fill those spots. As a consequence, the entire column will be blocked not until you can reveal that powerful King from the other cards.

 

Lastly, always remember to move cards only when it is needed or necessary. It is definitely tempting to shuffle and move cards from pile to pile, but you might end up locking your valuable cards behind lower cards. 

 

Takeaway

If you know how to play and explore solitaire, you’ll surely know how these tips work. So as a primary tip, you should familiarize yourself first with the rules and nature of the solitaire before applying these tips. Once you have a good grip of the game, the rest, including luck will follow.