How to play FreeCell
FreeCell is an open-information Solitaire: all 52 cards are dealt face up, so every game is a puzzle you can reason through. The goal is to build the four foundations from Ace to King.
The layout
- Eight columns hold all 52 cards, face up, from the start.
- Four free cells (top left) each store a single card.
- Four foundations (top right) build up by suit, Ace → King.
The rules
- Build columns down in alternating colours.
- A free cell holds one card of any kind.
- Any card may move onto an empty column.
- You can move a run of several cards at once only if you have the space to do it one card at a time: the limit is (1 + free cells) × 2(empty columns).
Controls
- Drag a card or run to place it.
- Tap a card to auto-move it — foundation first, otherwise a sensible column or free cell.
- Undo reverses your last move.
Winning strategy
- Keep free cells empty. Each occupied cell halves your ability to move runs. Cells are temporary parking, not storage.
- Make an empty column early. Empty columns are even more valuable than free cells — they multiply how many cards you can shift.
- Dig for the Aces and twos. Get the low cards onto the foundations so they stop blocking the columns.
- Plan the whole sequence. Before you start a long move, count your free cells and empty columns to be sure the run will land.
- Don't bury what you need. Since you can see every card, look ahead before dropping a card on top of one you'll want soon.
Moving more than one card
FreeCell technically moves one card at a time, but the game lets you drag a whole run when you have the space to shuffle it through free cells and empty columns behind the scenes. The number of cards you can move at once is (1 + free cells) × 2(empty columns) — and moving onto an empty column counts one fewer empty column as a helper. So if a multi-card move is refused, it isn't a bug: you simply don't have enough free space yet. Empty a free cell or a column and the limit jumps (each empty column doubles it).
Common mistakes
- Parking cards in every free cell. Each filled cell halves your moving power — keep them empty until you genuinely need the parking.
- Expecting big stacks to move with no space. See the formula above; count your free cells and empty columns before attempting a long run.
- Burying a needed low card. Every card is visible, so look ahead — don't drop a card on top of an Ace or two you'll want next.
Frequently asked questions
- Is FreeCell always winnable?
- Almost — the vast majority of deals are solvable, which is why FreeCell is famous as the "skill" Solitaire. Use Undo to test lines.
- Why won't my stack move?
- You don't have enough free cells/empty columns for that many cards at once. Free up space and try again — see "Moving more than one card" above.
- Is it free and unlimited?
- Yes — free, no login, unlimited deals plus a Daily Challenge.