FreeCell Solitaire

FreeCell is the pure strategy version of solitaire: every card starts face‑up, so success comes from planning and smart sequencing rather than luck. The goal is still to build foundations from Ace to King, but the four free cells and eight tableau columns create a flexible puzzle that rewards careful thinking.

Explore the how‑to‑play hub, review the Classic Solitaire guide, and compare your best times on the leaderboard.

Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, building each suit upward from Ace to King.

Deal all 52 cards face‑up into eight tableau columns. The first four columns receive seven cards and the last four receive six.

Start with four empty free cells and four empty foundation piles.

All 52 cards are dealt face‑up into eight tableau columns, with the first four columns holding seven cards and the last four holding six. The four free cells start empty and can each hold one card. Foundations build upward by suit from Ace to King.

Tableau piles build downward in alternating colors, similar to Classic Klondike. You may move a single card at any time, and you can move a sequence of cards if you have enough empty free cells and tableau columns to support the move. The number of cards you can move as a stack depends on available empty spaces.

Use the free cells as temporary storage to unlock blocked cards or to reorganize sequences. The game is won when all cards are placed on the foundations. Because all cards are visible, most standard deals are solvable with precise play and careful planning.

Keep at least one free cell open. An empty free cell is a tactical lifeline that lets you relocate a key card and break deadlocks. When all four are full, your options shrink dramatically.

Prioritize moves that create space. Empty tableau columns function like extra free cells and make it possible to move longer sequences. If you can clear a column, do it, even if it feels like a detour.

Build foundations steadily but not blindly. Moving an Ace or Two is usually safe, yet advancing a suit too quickly can remove a card you needed to build an alternating sequence in the tableau. Ask whether a foundation move improves your board position or only increases score.

Plan sequences with capacity in mind. The number of cards you can move as a block grows when you have empty free cells and columns, so protect those spaces. A useful habit is to count how many cards you can move before committing to a multi‑card transfer.

Think several moves ahead. Because all cards are visible, you can map out a route to free a low card or unlock a suit. If you get stuck, look for a move that creates a new empty space or rearranges a blocking color. Over time, that disciplined planning leads to smoother, faster wins.