What Happens When You Get Stuck in Solitaire?
Short Answer
When you cannot make any more moves in Solitaire, the game is over (a loss). Not all Solitaire deals are solvable. You can undo moves to try a different approach, restart the same deal, or start a fresh game with a new shuffle.
Why Do You Get Stuck?
Several factors can lead to an unwinnable position:
- Unwinnable deal: The shuffle created an impossible arrangement
- Poor early choices: Moving cards in a suboptimal order
- Blocked cards: Key cards buried under others with no way to access them
- Empty column misuse: Filling columns too quickly without planning
What You Can Do
- Undo moves: Backtrack and try different choices
- Restart: Play the same deal from the beginning with new strategy
- New game: Get a fresh shuffle (higher chance of winnable deal)
- Accept the loss: Some games simply cannot be won
Win Rate Reality
About 80% of Klondike Turn 1 games are theoretically winnable with perfect play. Turn 3 drops to around 10-20%. Even experts don't win every game.
Tips to Avoid Getting Stuck
- Always prioritize revealing face-down cards
- Don't move cards to the foundation too quickly
- Keep empty columns as maneuvering space
- Think several moves ahead before acting