How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · RHEFM

How to play FreeCell

Start FreeCell by looking at the playing area and its controls. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Look at what changes after your first action.

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.

Keep the aim in sight

Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Step by step

1. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
2. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
3. Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Controls

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

A useful example

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions