FreeCell

How to play FreeCell

FreeCell is a solitaire game where every card is dealt face up, so almost every deal can be solved with careful planning. It’s all skill and no luck.

1. The deal. All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight columns. At the top are four free cells and four foundations.
2. Build down in the columns in alternating colours: a red 6 on a black 7, then a black 5 on the red 6.
3. Use the free cells. Any card can go into an empty free cell, one card per cell.
4. Fill empty columns with any card or run of cards.
5. Build the foundations up by suit from Ace to King. Move all 52 cards there to win.

You can move one card at a time, but the game lets you move an ordered run in one go when you have enough free cells and empty columns to do it one card at a time. Cards that are safe to send to the foundations go up automatically.

Numbered deals

Deals are numbered 1 to 32000, the same as the classic FreeCell game that came with Windows. Tap the deal number to replay a deal or try a famous one, like deal #11982, the only one of the original 32,000 that can’t be solved.

Quick tips for solving

• Free the Aces and 2s early. Look at where they’re buried before your first move.
• Keep free cells empty. Every free cell you fill makes runs harder to move.
• An empty column is gold. It doubles how many cards you can move at once.
• Plan several moves ahead. With every card face up, you can see exactly what each move will free.

FreeCell FAQ