Solitaire Stats & Benchmarks

What's a Good Number of Moves in Solitaire?

A good winning game of Klondike Turn 1 takes 60�100 moves. Under 60 is exceptional. Turn 3 games typically require 80�130 moves due to the additional stock cycling. But move count alone is a misleading metric - efficiency matters more than raw numbers.

Turn 1 Move Count Benchmarks

LevelTypical Winning Move Count
Beginner120�200+
Average80�120
Good60�80
Optimal52 (theoretical minimum)

Why the Minimum Is 52

To win Turn 1 Solitaire, every card must reach the foundation. That is 52 cards, each requiring exactly one move to the foundation. In practice, you also need intermediate tableau moves - but the absolute minimum is 52. Real-world minimum games achieved by advanced players hover around 60�70 moves.

Track your own move count

Play Solitaire - Move Counter Built In

Your move count is displayed throughout the game. Try to beat your personal best.

Move Efficiency in Turn 3

In Turn 3 Klondike, cycling the stock counts as moves. Efficient players minimise the number of full deck cycles they need, which directly reduces total move count. A skilled Turn 3 player completes a game in 100�140 moves; inefficient cycling can push a beginner past 300.

Should You Aim for Low Move Counts?

Move count optimisation is a legitimate skill goal in both Turn 1 and Turn 3. But for most players, winning at all is the more important goal. Focus on winning consistently - minimum move counts come naturally as your decision quality improves.

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