FreeCell: Play online for free, no download required.
FreeCell offers a unique take on Classic Solitaire. Unlike most card games that depend on luck, FreeCell rewards logic, foresight, and careful planning. With four open cells to temporarily hold cards, almost every deal is solvable, making it a true test of skill.
Rules
Goal: Move all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, building each suit in order from Ace to King.
Board Setup
- Tableau: Eight columns with all cards dealt face-up from the start. This complete visibility turns FreeCell into a strategy game rather than one of chance.
- Free Cells: Four open spaces at the top left of the board. Each can hold a single card temporarily, allowing for more flexibility.
- Foundations: Four designated piles at the top right. Build each foundation in order by suit, starting with the Ace.
Movement Rules
- Tableau: Build down in alternating colors (for example, a red 7 can be placed on a black 8).
- Free Cells: Any single card can be moved to a free cell, but space is limited, so use them wisely.
- Super Moves: To move a sequence of cards, you must have enough free cells and empty tableau columns to hold them temporarily. The maximum stack size follows this formula: (1 + EmptyFreeCells) × 2 ^ EmptyColumns. This relationship is key to expert FreeCell play. The more empty spaces you have, the more freedom you have to rearrange the board.
Mastery Guide
- Conserve Free CellsTreat free cells as a safety net, not storage. Keeping them empty boosts your mobility and allows for larger moves.
- Empty ColumnsSecuring an empty tableau column is a major strategic advantage. It can serve as temporary storage for an entire sequence of cards, creating strong repositioning options.
- Plan AheadFreeCell rewards foresight. Study the layout and plan your moves three or four steps in advance. Avoid trapping low-value cards like Aces and Twos behind higher ones that block foundation progress.
- Patience Pays OffSince FreeCell is rarely unwinnable, persistence and careful play will often lead to solutions.
Origins
FreeCell was created in 1978 by Paul Alfille as a computer version of an older card game called Eight Off. It became famous after being included in Windows 95, becoming a common pastime at offices. The infamous “Deal #11982” became well-known among players as one of the few impossible deals, sparking years of debate in the FreeCell community.
Why Play?
Logic
Every card is visible from the start, making FreeCell an open-information puzzle. Success depends entirely on your planning and reasoning skills.
Problem Solving
The game helps train systematic thinking by breaking down complex problems into smaller, solvable steps.
Cognitive Benefits
Regular play enhances memory, focus, and spatial awareness by encouraging pattern recognition and sequential planning.
Satisfaction
Solving a challenging deal gives a rewarding sense of mastery and control that surpasses more luck-based games.
FreeCell FAQ
Are all games solvable?
Almost all of them—around 99.99%. Only a small number of random deals are unsolvable, making FreeCell one of the fairest solitaire games ever created.
Why can’t I move this stack?
Each move must follow the game’s stack-size rules. If you can’t move a stack, you need to free up more space by clearing free cells or creating empty tableau columns.
How long does a typical game last?
A skilled player can finish an average deal in 5 to 10 minutes, although complex layouts may take much longer, even hours, of careful planning.
Is there a perfect strategy?
Not completely, but methodical play—focusing on lower cards, maintaining mobility, and keeping free space—will give you the best chance for consistent wins.
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