Solitaire FAQ: Winnable Deals, Rules and Card Lounge Answers

Short, checked answers to the questions players ask most about solitaire and the other card games on Card Lounge. General facts about the games' history and odds link to their source; everything about how a game plays here matches the rules of the tables on this site.

Questions about solitaire

Is every game of solitaire winnable?

No. Some Klondike deals cannot be won however well you play. Even if you could see every card, an estimated 81.9% of Draw 3 deals could be won, according to Wikipedia's Klondike article, and real games, with hidden cards, are won less often. FreeCell is the exception that comes closest: of the classic 32,000 Microsoft deals, only deal #11982 has no solution.

Which solitaire game is the easiest?

On Card Lounge, Klondike Draw 1 and Spider one suit are the gentlest solitaire modes. Memory Pairs is easier still, because it has no way to lose.

Which solitaire game is the hardest?

Spider four suits, Yukon and Klondike Draw 3 ask for the most patience and planning. FreeCell shows every card from the start, so it is a pure planning challenge, but almost every deal can be won.

What is the difference between Klondike Draw 1 and Draw 3?

Draw 1 turns one card from the stock at a time, so every card shows on every pass. Draw 3 turns three, and only the top one can be played, so many cards stay out of reach until a play shifts the groups. Draw 1 or Draw 3 explains what really changes.

Why is solitaire called Klondike?

Nobody knows for certain. Some authors link the name to the Klondike Gold Rush, but there is no firm evidence. The game became especially popular after a version was included with Windows 3.0 in 1990.

Who invented FreeCell?

Paul Alfille created the first computer version of FreeCell in 1978, for the PLATO educational computer system. Microsoft has included FreeCell in Windows since 1995, according to Wikipedia's FreeCell article.

Questions about the rules on Card Lounge

How many times can you go through the stock?

It depends on the game. Klondike recycles are unlimited. Pyramid allows three passes through the stock in total. TriPeaks and Golf have no recycling, so every draw counts. FreeCell and Yukon have no stock at all.

What can go in an empty column?

In Klondike and Yukon, only a King, or a run headed by one. In Spider and FreeCell, any card or valid run.

How many cards can you move at once in FreeCell?

(Empty free cells + 1) × 2 to the power of the number of empty columns, not counting the column you are moving into. With four empty free cells and no empty column, that is 5 cards. How many cards can you move at once has a full table.

Can you take a card back from a foundation?

Yes, in Klondike. If you played a card up too early, you can move it from a foundation back to the tableau, as long as the colour and rank rules allow it.

When is a game lost?

When no legal move can change the position any more, the game shows "No moves left" and records the round as lost. Starting a new deal before a round is finished records it as abandoned.

What does the dealer do in Blackjack?

The dealer draws to 16 and stands on all 17s, including soft 17. The shoe holds six decks and is reshuffled when fewer than 78 cards remain. Soft 17 explained shows what that means for your hand.

Questions about playing here

Is Card Lounge free?

Yes. Every game is free to play in your browser, with no account, no download and nothing to buy.

Is Blackjack played for real money?

No. Blackjack uses play chips that have no value. You start with 1,000 and can reset to 1,000 between hands. Nothing can be bought or won.

Is there an undo button?

Yes. Undo is unlimited in the solitaire games, so you can step all the way back to the deal. Hint shows one legal move without making it, and Auto move plays that move for you.

Can I replay the same deal?

Yes. Every deal shows its deal number, and the same number always produces the same layout. FreeCell deals are numbered 1 to 32000 and follow the classic Microsoft FreeCell numbering.

Where is my progress saved?

In your browser's local storage. A round in progress is saved automatically, and each of the 13 modes keeps its own statistics. Progress does not follow you to another browser or device, and clearing your browser data removes it. The privacy page has the details.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. Tap a card and then its destination, or drag it. The tables, rules and saved progress work the same on a phone, a tablet or a computer.

More help

For quick habits that win more games, read the solitaire tips. For the controls, see How to play, and for the words used on the tables, the glossary. Or pick a game and deal.