THE PLAYBOOK · GZDINGZAN
The essentials of playing FreeCell
Choose a round of FreeCell and settle into its rules. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Build familiarity through play
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Make the next step deliberately.
Understand the aim
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
From the start of a round
- Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
- Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
- Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
- Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.
Input guidance
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
Try this example
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Look for the relevant detail.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
More answers before you play
On this playing page, what is the goal of FreeCell?
For clarity: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
Before I begin, how do I control FreeCell?
For clarity: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
What example helps explain FreeCell?
For clarity: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
Here is the relevant explanation: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
As a new player, what format does FreeCell offer?
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
For this browser game, which play mode does FreeCell use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.