How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · AWTKANAPOLI

Bring your attention to one round of FreeCell. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at what changes after your first action. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. 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.

Read before acting

Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Step by step

Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
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. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Common questions

Before I begin, what is the goal of FreeCell?

Here is the relevant explanation: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.

While learning, how do I control FreeCell?

The key detail is this: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.

What example helps explain FreeCell?

For clarity: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.

As a new player, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?

Keep this in mind: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.

For my first round, what format does FreeCell offer?

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

On this playing page, which play mode does FreeCell use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.