What is the Win Rate for Agnes Sorel Solitaire?
15-17% Win Rate (1 in 6-7)
Agnes Sorel Solitaire was described by early rules author Mary Whitmore Jones as "the best single-pack patience yet invented." Same-color building creates elegant but challenging gameplay.
Why Agnes Sorel is Harder Than Agnes Bernauer
- Same-color building: Only 2 legal destinations per card instead of 4
- No reserve: Fewer accessible cards than Agnes Bernauer
- Batch dealing: Cards dealt in groups of 7, covering previous options
- One deal only: No cycling through the stock—all decisions are final
Same-Color vs Alternating
In alternating-color games, a red 7 can go on any black 8 (2 suits = up to 4 cards). In Agnes Sorel, a red 7 can only go on a red 8 (hearts or diamonds = up to 2 cards). This halves your options.
Historical Background
Named after Agnes Sorel (1422-1450), the famous mistress of Charles VII of France:
- She was the first officially recognized royal mistress in French history
- Her image appears as "Rachel" on traditional French playing cards
- The original 1909 rules by Mary Whitmore Jones called it simply "The Agnes"
Agnes Sorel vs Agnes Bernauer
| Feature | Agnes Sorel | Agnes Bernauer |
|---|---|---|
| Win Rate | 15-17% | 33% |
| Building | Same color (red on red) | Alternating colors |
| Reserve | None | 7 cards |
| Dealing | Batches of 7 | Traditional |
Strategy Tips
- With only 2 legal destinations per card, prioritize moves that expose new cards
- Plan ahead before each batch deal—you can't undo
- Empty columns are crucial for reorganization