Is Every Game of Solitaire Winnable?
Short Answer
No. Many Solitaire deals are mathematically impossible to win regardless of skill. The random shuffle determines whether a game is solvable. Win rates vary dramatically by variant, from around 5% for difficult games to over 99% for easier ones.
Win Rates by Variant
Theoretical win rates with perfect play:
- FreeCell: 99.99% (nearly always winnable)
- Klondike Turn 1: ~80%
- Yukon: ~80%
- Klondike Turn 3: ~10-20%
- Russian Solitaire: ~5-10%
- Forty Thieves: ~10%
FreeCell Exception
FreeCell is unique because all cards are visible from the start. Of the first 32,000 FreeCell deals ever catalogued, only one (#11982) was proven impossible to win.
Why Some Games Cannot Be Won
- Buried cards: Critical cards trapped under others permanently
- Impossible sequences: Cards arranged so no valid moves exist
- Hidden information: Face-down cards create unknown variables
- Draw restrictions: Turn 3 limits which cards you can access
What Affects Your Actual Win Rate?
Your personal win rate depends on:
- Strategy and planning ahead
- When you choose to undo vs. start fresh
- How early you recognize unwinnable positions
- Patience for difficult decisions