FreeCell

What Is FreeCell?

FreeCell is a strategic solitaire card game where nearly every deal is winnable with perfect play. Unlike Klondike Solitaire, all 52 cards are dealt face up at the start, giving you complete information to plan your moves. The game features four free cells that serve as temporary storage, four foundation piles to build from Ace to King by suit, and eight tableau columns. FreeCell was popularized by its inclusion in Microsoft Windows starting in 1995 and has become one of the most respected solitaire variants due to its emphasis on skill over luck. Studies have shown that of the original 32,000 numbered deals in Windows FreeCell, only one (deal number 11982) is confirmed to be unsolvable.

How to Play FreeCell

1. All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight tableau columns. The first four columns have seven cards and the last four have six cards.
2. Build the four foundation piles from Ace up to King, one per suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades).
3. On the tableau, build descending sequences with alternating colors. For example, place a black 6 on a red 7.
4. Use the four free cells as temporary storage for individual cards. Each free cell holds one card at a time.
5. Any card can be placed in an empty free cell. Any card can fill an empty tableau column.
6. Move all 52 cards to the foundations to win. Cards that can be safely moved to foundations are often auto-played.

Basic Rules

• Build foundations from Ace to King by suit
• Build tableau columns in descending order with alternating colors
• Each free cell holds exactly one card
• Only single cards can be moved (groups move if enough free cells and empty columns exist)
• Any card can fill an empty tableau column
• The game is won when all cards reach the foundations

Strategy Tips for Beginners

• Keep free cells open as long as possible. Each occupied free cell reduces your mobility and flexibility.
• Plan several moves ahead before committing. Since all cards are visible, take time to trace your path to the goal.
• Prioritize uncovering Aces and low-value cards buried deep in columns to start building foundations early.
• Empty tableau columns are more valuable than free cells because any card can fill them and they provide more room to maneuver.
• Avoid filling all four free cells at once. Having zero free cells severely limits which moves you can make.
• Build evenly across foundations. Moving too far ahead on one suit can block cards needed for other suits.

Real Examples of Gameplay

Variations of FreeCell

• Standard FreeCell: The classic version with four free cells. Nearly every deal is winnable. The most popular and well-known variant.
• Relaxed FreeCell: Same rules but with additional free cells for an easier experience. Great for learning the game mechanics.
• Eight Off: A related game with eight reserve cells instead of four and slightly different building rules. Offers a different strategic challenge.

Why People Love FreeCell

• Almost every game is winnable, rewarding skill over luck
• All cards are visible from the start, enabling pure strategic planning
• Quick games that typically take 5 to 15 minutes
• Deeply satisfying when you solve a challenging deal
• The perfect solitaire game for players who dislike random outcomes

Play FreeCell Online for Free

Play FreeCell for free in your browser. All cards are dealt face up so you can plan every move. Features include unlimited undo, auto-move to foundations, and smooth card animations. No download required. Works on all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Playing Now

FreeCell is the thinking player's solitaire game. With all cards visible and nearly every deal solvable, your success depends entirely on your strategic planning. Challenge yourself to solve deals that seem impossible at first glance. Start playing now.