How Long Does a Game of Solitaire Take?

Almost everyone has played Solitaire at some point. Many first encountered it digitally in the early 1990s, when it came pre-installed on Windows computers. Today, with platforms like ours, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a quick game during a break at work, while commuting, or relaxing at home. But how long does a typical game actually take?

For many players, timing becomes part of the challenge — not just winning the game, but playing efficiently. So, what is a good Solitaire time?

What Is the Average Time for a Game of Solitaire?

The duration of a Solitaire game — especially the classic Klondike version — can vary widely based on player experience, the number of cards drawn per turn, and overall strategy.

Most moderately experienced players complete a game of Klondike Solitaire in about 5 to 15 minutes. Beginners may take longer, especially when learning the rules or developing basic strategies. Experts, however, can finish in under 5 minutes.

We analyzed over 300,000 games played on the Solitaires platform to find out both average and fastest completion times:

Game Mode	Average Time	Fastest Game
Klondike Turn 1	3 min 41 sec	23 sec
Klondike Turn 3	3 min 8 sec	52 sec

Online and digital platforms can influence playtime. Features like auto-moves and hint systems speed things up significantly compared to playing with physical cards.

What Is the Fastest Solitaire Game Ever?

Tracking the absolute fastest Solitaire game is difficult due to the number of platforms and informal records. However, some standout performances have been documented:

In 2015, an Australian gamer known as "DDos-Dan" set a world record by completing a digital Solitaire game (1990 PC version, Turn 1 mode) in just 8 seconds. This was recognized by Guinness World Records.
In a physical setting, Stephen Twigge from West Yorkshire, England, completed a round of Solitaire with real cards in just 10.0 seconds back in 1991. Playing with physical cards requires exceptional speed and precision — making this feat even more impressive.

Can Every Solitaire Game be Won?

Before aiming to win Solitaire in 30 seconds, it’s worth knowing that not all games are winnable. The classic Klondike variant includes a strong element of chance because of how the cards are initially dealt.

Research shows that about 80% of Klondike Solitaire games are technically winnable, though this depends on the specific rules (e.g., Turn 1 vs. Turn 3) and whether undo features or hints are allowed. This blend of strategy and randomness is part of what makes Solitaire endlessly replayable.

Want to test your skills? Play a round of Solitaire and see how your time stacks up!