How to Play FreeCell Solitaire

FreeCell is one of the most popular Solitaire card games in the world. Unlike many other variations of solitaire, almost every single deal in FreeCell is mathematically solvable with perfect play. It relies purely on strategy and planning rather than blind luck.

Rules & Setup

A standard 52-card deck is dealt face up into eight tableau columns (the first four columns have seven cards, and the last four columns have six cards).

• Free Cells: There are four temporary holding spots (cells) in the upper-left area. Each cell can hold exactly one card. You can move any card to an empty cell at any time.
• Foundations: There are four foundation piles in the upper-right area. You must build up by suit starting from Ace up to King (Ace, 2, 3... Jack, Queen, King).
• Tableau Column Building: You can build columns in descending order with alternating suit colors (e.g. Red Jack on Black Queen).
• Moving Columns & Sequences: You can move a single card from a column, a free cell, or a foundation pile. You can also move a valid descending, alternating sequence of cards between tableau columns, provided you have enough empty free cells and columns to serve as temporary holding spots.

Winning Strategies

To become a FreeCell master, follow these key guidelines:

• Look ahead: Analyze the dealt board before making any moves. Look for hidden Aces or low-value cards and plan how to free them.
• Keep cells empty: Free cells are your most valuable resource. The more empty cells you have, the larger the sequence of cards you can move at once. Try to clear cards out of cells as quickly as possible.
• Create empty columns: Clearing a tableau column completely is extremely powerful, as it allows you to park any card or sequence in that column, helping you maneuver other cards.
• Build foundations evenly: Don't rush to build one foundation stack too high, as you might bury cards of other suits that are needed to cascade tableau columns.