Strategy
How to win turn 3 solitaire
Turn 3 is harder because the stock hides cards from you. The way to win it is to plan the stock, not just play what you see.
To win draw 3 solitaire, uncover the table as far as you can before you draw, play the top waste card whenever it helps so the card under it is freed, remember which cards sit in each group of three, and set up plays for the next pass. Accept that some deals cannot be won.
How the stock cycles in draw 3
When you draw, three cards land on the waste and only the top card is playable. The stock is always turned over in the same order, so each pass shows the same groups of three, unless you have played a card out of a group. When you play a card, every group after it shifts. That shifting is the key to draw 3.
Seven habits for draw 3
- Clear the table first. Make every column move before you draw. The stock is a last resort.
- Play the top waste card when it helps. Doing so frees the card below it and shifts the next groups.
- Remember the groups. Note the buried middle and bottom cards in each group. On the next pass, plan which card you need on top.
- Change the groups on purpose. Playing or not playing a card decides which cards come up top next time. Use it to bring a needed card within reach.
- Be careful with the foundation. Do not send a card up if you may need it as a landing spot.
- Prefer uncovering hidden cards. Even more than in draw 1, hidden cards in tall columns decide the game.
- Know when you are stuck. If you have gone through the stock twice with no progress, the deal may be lost.
Why many draw 3 deals cannot be won
In draw 3, a card can be buried under others, and no move may ever free it. Studies of the game and our own solver find that a smaller share of draw 3 deals can be won than in draw 1. See is solitaire always winnable.
Practice with winnable deals
To practice on games that can be won, choose winnable deals with Draw 3 selected, or play the daily deal. Use undo to try a plan and take it back.
Frequently asked questions
How do you win draw 3 solitaire?
Plan the stock: clear the table first, play top waste cards when useful, and track the groups of three.
Why is draw 3 so hard?
Cards under the top one are buried, and some cards may never be freed.
Can every draw 3 deal be won?
No. A noticeable share cannot be won with any play.