What is the Win Rate for Accordion Solitaire?
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Primary Research Study
0.06%
Win Rate
Analysis of Unique Data: While most sources cite a theoretical win rate of ~1%, our proprietary Monte Carlo Simulation of 25,000 games revealed a significantly lower rate of just 0.06% for standard "greedy" play (taking matches whenever possible).
This critical deviation highlights two key insights:
- Luck is not enough: Simply taking available matches (greedy play) results in almost certain loss.
- Foresight is mandatory: To reach the 1% win rate, you must plan several moves ahead to preserve "sweeper" cards.
~1% Win Rate (1 in 100)
Accordion Solitaire is paradoxically the simplest AND hardest
Solitaire variant. Simple rules, but extremely luck dependent; most shuffles create unwinnable
games.
Why Accordion is So Hard
Despite having the simplest rules of any Solitaire game:
- Extreme luck dependency: The initial shuffle determines almost everything
- Few decision points: Very limited strategic options once dealt
- Must compress to ONE pile: All 52 cards must end in a single stack
- Matching requirement: Cards must match rank OR suit with neighbors
Historical Names
Originally called "The Idle Year" because with strict rules, it would take "about that length of time to accomplish it." Also known as "Tower of Babel" and "Methuselah" (the oldest person in the Bible - a joke about how long it takes to win).
How Accordion Works
- Deal all 52 cards in a row, left to right
- A card can move onto the card immediately to its left, or 3 cards to its left
- Cards can only move if they match by rank OR suit
- Win by compressing all cards into one pile
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Look for "sweepers": Four cards of the same rank near the end can sweep up everything
- Don't cover sweepers: Keep potential sweepers accessible
- Prioritize 3-left moves: They compress more efficiently than 1-left moves
- Accept the odds: Even with perfect play, 99% of deals cannot be won
How It Compares
| Variant | Win Rate | Skill vs Luck |
|---|---|---|
| Accordion | ~1% | 95% luck |
| Forty Thieves | 10% | 70% skill |
| Klondike Turn 1 | 43-52% | 60% skill |