SCORING
Solitaire scoring explained: points, Vegas rules and what a good score is
Solitaire scores aren't universal. Every version counts points a little differently, so "a good score" only means something once you know which system is in use. Here are the common systems, how SolitaireNest scores a game, and better ways to measure progress.
How scoring works on SolitaireNest
Our Klondike games (Turn 1, Turn 3 and Daily) use a simple points system based on the classic Windows standard scoring:
| Move | Points |
|---|---|
| Move any card to a foundation | +10 |
| Move a card from the waste pile to the tableau | +5 |
| Turn over a face-down tableau card | +5 |
| Recycle the stock | No penalty |
| Undo a move | The points from that move are removed |
Because of this, every won game scores at least 625 points: 52 cards to the foundations (520) plus the 21 face-down cards you must turn over to win (105). Anything above 625 comes from playing waste cards onto the tableau, at 5 points each. There's no time bonus or penalty, so the timer and move counter are tracked separately.
Windows standard scoring
The Solitaire that shipped with Windows made points scoring familiar to millions of players. Its standard mode awards:
- +10 for moving a card to a foundation, from either the waste or the tableau.
- +5 for moving a card from the waste to the tableau.
- +5 for turning over a face-down tableau card.
- −15 for moving a card back from a foundation to the tableau.
- A penalty for recycling the waste pile, which is larger in Draw One.
- When timed, −2 points every 10 seconds, plus a bonus for finishing quickly.
The time rules are why two players who win the same deal can end up with very different scores. Faster wins earn more, which rewards speed as much as good decisions.
Vegas scoring
Vegas scoring treats each game as a bet. You "pay" 52 units to start a game and win 5 units for every card you get onto a foundation. The draws through the stock are also limited: one pass in Draw One, or three passes in Draw Three.
- You need 11 cards on the foundations to break even, because 11 × 5 = 55, which is more than the 52 you paid.
- A complete win returns 260 (52 × 5), a profit of 208.
- In cumulative Vegas mode the balance carries across games, so you see whether you're "up" or "down" over a session.
Vegas scoring changes how you play. Moving low cards to the foundations early is worth more, because each one earns money even in a game you don't win.
What is a good Solitaire score?
It depends entirely on the system:
- On SolitaireNest: any score of 625 or more means you won. A higher winning score means you played more cards from the waste onto the tableau.
- Windows standard, timed: scores in the thousands are possible on quick wins, thanks to the time bonus. Compare scores only with games played under the same draw and timing settings.
- Vegas: any game that ends above zero (11 or more cards on the foundations) is a good result. A cumulative balance that stays positive over many games is very good.
Better ways to measure progress
Points reward specific moves, not necessarily good play. A move that earns 5 points but buries a card you need can cost you the game. These measures tell you more:
- Win rate. The share of games you win under one rule set, Turn 1 or Turn 3. It's the most honest number, and SolitaireNest tracks it for you on this device.
- Moves per win. Fewer moves usually means cleaner planning, with less wandering through the stock.
- Time per win. Useful once your win rate is steady, as long as you don't trade accuracy for speed.
- Daily streak. Playing the daily deal means everyone plays the same cards, so you can compare fairly with friends.
Keep learning
Read how to play Solitaire for the full rules, or the Klondike strategy guide to raise your win rate.