Common mistakes

Common solitaire mistakes

The same mistakes appear across many variants. Recognising them makes a locked game much easier to diagnose.

Moving because you can

A legal move is useful only when it reveals information, creates space or advances a clear plan.

Using every workspace

Free cells and empty columns are tools, not storage. Filling them all removes your ability to recover.

Rushing the foundations

Some foundation cards are still needed as links in the tableau.

Keep in mind

  • Ask what a move opens.
  • Keep working space free.
  • Delay foundation cards that still have a job.