How to Play FreeCell
FreeCell is a quiet, logical solitaire that rewards planning. For more card-game guides like this, visit Playmore for friendly tips and other games.
Quick facts
| Game | Type | Players | Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeCell | American computer-era solitaire | 1 | Full normal 52‑card deck |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is to move every card to the four foundation piles, sorted by suit from lowest to highest. You use the eight tableau columns and four empty "free cells" as temporary storage. Because all cards are dealt face up, you can plan moves openly and think ahead.
What you need and how to set up
You only need a single standard 52‑card deck. Deal all cards face up into eight columns to make the tableau. Set aside four empty free-cell spots (temporary single-card spaces) and four empty foundation spaces (one for each suit). Exact column counts can vary by version, so check the official rules your group uses.
How to play
- Look for obvious moves to the foundations. Move low cards to their suit foundation when you can, as that clears space.
- Use free cells to hold single cards temporarily. Put a card in an empty free cell to free up cards below it in a column.
- Move cards between tableau columns to expose buried cards. You usually move a single card onto another column to help build toward foundations.
- Use empty tableau columns as big temporary storage. An empty column gives you room to reorganize several cards.
- If you need to shift a group of cards, you move them one at a time while using free cells and empty columns as helpers. Exact multi-card move rules depend on the version you play.
- Repeat planning moves, freeing cards, and advancing foundations until no more legal moves remain or you finish the game.
How a round or game ends
You win when every card is built onto the four suit foundations in order. You stop and mark the deal unsolved when no legal moves remain and you cannot continue. Some computer versions let you undo or reveal whether a deal is solvable; check the official rules for how your version handles undos and deal numbering.
Beginner tips
- Keep as many free cells empty as possible. They are your most flexible resource.
- Empty a tableau column early if you can. It acts like a big workspace for rearranging cards.
- Move cards to foundations only when it won’t block needed moves later.
- Plan two or three moves ahead. All cards are visible, so think about consequences before you move.
- Use undo on computer versions to explore different approaches without penalty.
- If playing with friends, agree on exact move rules first, since small rule differences change strategy.
FAQ
Can I move a whole stack at once?
That depends. Many versions only let you move one card at a time unless you can simulate the move by using free cells and empty columns. Check the rules for your version.
How important are the free cells?
Very important. Each free cell stores one card and multiplies the number of rearrangements you can do. Keeping some free cells open gives you more options.
Are all deals solvable?
No. Some deals cannot be finished no matter what you try. Computer implementations often label or number deals; check your version to see which are known solvable.