Klondike solitaire scoring in the classic Windows version uses a simple points system: you earn points for moving cards to the tableau or foundation, and you lose points for certain actions like recycling the waste pile. The standard points table below breaks down every move, along with the time deduction and bonus for timed games, so you can understand exactly how solitaire is scored and play for a high score.
The Standard Points Table
The classic Windows solitaire points system awards points for moving cards in specific ways. Every move you make changes your score based on these fixed values. The score cannot go below 0, so you never lose more points than you have earned.
- Waste to tableau: +5 points
- Waste to foundation: +10 points
- Tableau to foundation: +10 points
- Turning over a face-down tableau card: +5 points
Note that moving a card from a foundation back to the tableau costs 15 points. This is the only negative move you can make that directly affects your score, aside from recycling the waste.
Scoring for Each Move
Waste to Tableau
When you move a card from the waste pile (the face-up pile from the stock) to a tableau column, you earn 5 points. This is the smallest positive score you can get for a move.
Waste to Foundation
Moving a card from the waste directly to a foundation pile earns 10 points. This is a common way to build your score quickly because you skip the tableau.
Tableau to Foundation
Moving a card from a tableau column to a foundation pile also gives you 10 points. This is the same value as waste to foundation, so both are equally rewarding.
Turning Over a Face-Down Tableau Card
Each time you flip a face-down card in the tableau to make it face up, you get 5 points. Since a Klondike deal places 28 cards in 7 columns, with 21 face down and 7 face up, you can earn points from every one of those flips.
Foundation to Tableau Deduction
If you move a card from a foundation pile back to the tableau, you lose 15 points. This is a significant solitaire score deduction, so avoid it unless you have a clear strategy.
Recycling the Waste Pile
In draw one games, recycling the waste pile (turning over the waste to use it again) costs 100 points per pass. This deduction applies each time you exhaust the stock and start over from the waste. The draw three recycle deduction differs between versions, so the exact value depends on the app you are using. In the classic Windows version, the draw three deduction is also 100 points, but some variations differ.
Because the score cannot go below 0, these deductions only matter if you have enough points to subtract. If your score is 0, recycling does not make it negative.
Time Deduction and Bonus
Time Deduction
In timed games, 2 points are deducted every 10 seconds. This means that the longer you take, the more points you lose. For example, if a game takes a short time, you lose a few points.
Time Bonus
If you win a timed game, you earn a bonus of 700,000 divided by the game time in seconds. This bonus only applies for games longer than 30 seconds. Shorter games do not qualify. The bonus can be very large if you finish quickly. For instance, a win in 100 seconds gives a bonus of a few thousand points. A win in a longer time gives fewer points. This bonus is added to your score after the time deduction is applied.
How to Play for a High Score
Build Points Early
- Turn over tableau cards early. Each face-down card flipped gives 5 points. Flip them as soon as possible to start earning points from those cards.
- Move cards to foundations directly from the waste. Waste to foundation gives 10 points, the same as tableau to foundation, but it also clears the waste pile faster, reducing the need to recycle.
Avoid Deductions
- Avoid recycling the waste if possible. Each recycle costs 100 points, so plan your moves to use the stock efficiently.
- Minimize foundation to tableau moves. The 15 point deduction for moving a card back can add up quickly. Only do this if it helps you turn over more tableau cards or avoid recycling.
Timed Games
- Play quickly but carefully. The time deduction of 2 points every 10 seconds is small, but the time bonus for winning is huge if you finish fast.
- Avoid resetting or restarting. Each new game starts your score at 0, so consistent play is better than chasing one high score.
Remember that scoring varies between apps, but the table above is the classic Windows version. If you play on a different platform, check the rules for that specific game.
Common Misconceptions About Scoring
Some players think that moving cards to the foundation always increases your score, but if you move a card back, you lose points. Another common misunderstanding is that the time bonus applies to all wins. It only applies to timed games that last longer than 30 seconds. Also, the score cannot go below 0, so you never see a negative total, even if deductions would take it below zero.
Another point: the solitaire points system in the classic Windows version does not award points for dealing cards from the stock to the waste. Only moving cards to the tableau or foundation, or turning over a tableau card, gives points.
Final Notes on Scoring
The classic Windows scoring system is straightforward once you know the values. The standard points table gives you a clear path to earning a high score: turn over cards, move to foundations, and avoid deductions. For timed games, balancing speed with careful play is key. If you want to practice, you can try the game at klondikesolitaire.info, which offers free play without download or signup. Just keep in mind that scoring varies between apps, so always check the rules for the version you are using.