Solitaire is one of the most popular card games in the world, played both physically and digitally by many people with a love for games that combine luck and strategy. While it’s a relatively familiar game, the rules can often seem complex as there are many ways to play it. People often wonder exactly how many hands can be dealt in Solitaire.
52 factorial hands can be dealt in Solitaire. There are 52 cards in a standard deck – when you choose a card, its value is removed from the deck. The first card you select has 52 possibilities, the second has 51 possibilities, and so on, resulting in 52 different possibilities.
The rest of this article will provide useful insight into the different number of hands that can be dealt in Solitaire, as well as the rules of the game as a whole. Read on if you’re interested in having a better understanding of this classic card game.
Number of Possible Deals in Solitaire
For anyone who has ever played Solitaire, it’s pretty clear that there are many possible outcomes for every game. But just how many possibilities are there?
According to mathematician Joriki, the answer is a whopping 52 factorial.
This number is so large that it’s hard to wrap our minds around it. But to put it into perspective, if you were to deal one card from a deck of cards every second, it would take you longer than the age of the universe to go through all the possible deals.
So next time you’re feeling frustrated with your Solitaire game, remember that no matter how many times you’ve played, there’s always the chance that you’ll deal the cards in a unique way.
How Do You Find the Number of Deals in Solitaire?
You find the number of possible Solitaire deals using the factorial function. This mathematical function takes a positive integer and multiplies it by every positive integer less than itself.
There are many ways to calculate this number, but the most straightforward way is to use basic math. There are 52 cards in a deck, and you can choose any of those cards for the first card in your hand.
For the second card, there are 51 cards remaining (52-1), and so on. So, the total number of possible hands that can be dealt in Solitaire is 52 factorial (52!). This is a huge number – over 8 x 1067 possibilities!
The following table shows how to calculate the number of possible deals in different card packs:
| Number of Cards in the Park | Total Number of Deals |
| 5 | 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120 |
| 52 | 52! = 52 x 51 x 50…3 x 2 x 1 = 8.0658 x 1067 |
| 48 | 48! = 48 x 47 x 46…3 x 2 x 1 = 1.2414 x 1061 |
| 40 | 40! = 40 x 39 x 38…3 x 2 x 1 = 1.2414 x 1061 |
| 78 | 78! = 78 x 77 x 76…3 x 2 x 1 = 1.13243 x 10115 |
But why use the factorial function?
The factorial function is used in this case because it considers the different ways in which you can arrange the cards. For example, if you were to deal 5 cards from a deck, there would be 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120 different ways to arrange those 5 cards.
In simpler terms, assuming you arranged the 5 cards from left to right in a row, the first card could be any of the 5, the second card could be any of the 4 remaining (5-1), the third card could be any of the 3 remaining (5-2), and so on.
Because of that, the factorial function is crucial when calculating the number of possible deals in Solitaire- because there are so many different ways that you can arrange the cards!
If you’re interested in learning more about the factorial function and its applications, I recommend watching the following YouTube video:
Why the Number of Possible Deals Matters in Solitaire
Solitaire is a game of patience, but it’s also a game of chance. The number of possible deals in Solitaire is affected by the shuffling algorithm used.
Most shuffling algorithms use a riffle shuffle, which means that the deck is divided into two halves, and then the cards are inserted randomly into the other half. This results in many possible deals, but it also means that some deals are more likely than others.
For example, if you’re dealt a hand with all four aces, that’s called a grand sure, and it’s incredibly rare. But if you’re dealt a hand with no aces, that’s called an orphan hand, and it’s relatively common.
The number of possible deals in Solitaire affects your odds of winning, so it’s essential to know how the shuffling algorithm works. If you’re looking for a challenge, try playing with a deck with fewer possible deals.
Can You Win Every Deal in Solitaire?
You cannot win every deal in Solitaire. There is always some element of chance involved, no matter how skilled you are. However, with practice and patience, you can increase your odds of winning.
Remember, the number of possible deals in Solitaire is incredibly large, so even if you’ve played the game for years, there’s always the chance that you’ll come across a new deal. Because of that, Solitaire is a game that you can never truly master- but that’s part of what makes it so fun!
Tips for Winning in Solitaire
Do you love playing Solitaire but lose most of the time? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Although the game seems simple enough, it can be tricky to win consistently.
Here are a few tips that may help you improve your Solitaire game:
Take Your Time To Learn the Basics
If you’re new to Solitaire, it’s essential to take the time to learn the basics. Although it may be tempting to jump right in and start playing, you’ll have a much better chance of winning if you understand how the game works first.
There are many different variations of Solitaire, so make sure you know the rules of the game you’re playing. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can experiment with different strategies.
Practice As Often as Possible
While Solitaire is a game run by chance, it can be easier to play by sharpening your critical thinking skills. The more you play, the better you’ll become at making the right moves for your situation and ultimately winning the game.
If you’re struggling to win, try playing against a friend or family member who is also learning the game. This will allow you to practice in a low-pressure environment and learn from your mistakes.
With enough practice, you can only get better.
Choose the Right Variation
There are many different variations of Solitaire, so it’s essential to choose the right one for you. If you’re struggling to win the game you’re playing, try a different variation.
Some variations are more complicated than others, so it’s crucial to find one that is challenging but still within your skill level. For example, if you’re finding it too easy to win the game of Klondike, try playing the game of FreeCell.
Don’t Be Afraid To Take Risks
Solitaire is a game that requires you to take risks. Sometimes, the best way to win the game is to make a seemingly counterintuitive move.
For example, if you’re playing the game of Klondike and you have a choice between two moves, one of which is safe but will only get you a small win, and the other of which is risky but could potentially lead to a significant victory, it’s often better to go for the latter.
Of course, there is always the chance that you’ll make a move that backfires, but that’s part of the fun of the game.
Never Give Up
Solitaire is a game of patience and perseverance. There will be times when it seems like you’re never going to win, but if you persevere, eventually, you’ll come out on top.
The most important thing is never to give up. As long as you keep playing, you always have a chance to win.
For more tips for winning this game, ensure you read Spider Solitaire Winning Strategies by Steve N. Brown (available on Amazon.com). The author describes how to increase your chances of winning at this game, making the book an essential read for anyone who wants to improve their Solitaire game.
If you however just want some free short read then I have written a few of the articles you wil lfind interesting:
If you wonder what are differences between Spider Solitaire and Solitare, then read this article that I wrote.
Conclusion
You can deal up to 52 hands of cards at once in Solitaire, but that doesn’t mean you can win every game. There’s always some element of chance involved in the game, but with practice and patience, you can increase your skill and critical thinking abilities.
Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of Solitaire, so you can continue to engage in the game with confidence and ultimately grow as a player.