Freecell Solitaire Game.

FREECELL SOLITAIRE GAME

How to Play FreeCell Solitaire: Complete Guide With History

Game Overview & Objective

FreeCell Solitaire is played with one standard 52-card deck, set up so all cards are dealt face-up into eight tableau piles. The objective is to move all cards to four foundation piles, building each foundation by suit in ascending order from Ace to King[3][4][5][6][8].

Setup

• Deck: Use all 52 cards arranged face-up; no Jokers[3][4][5][7].
• Tableau: Deal eight columns—first four get seven cards, last four get six[3][4][5][7].
• Free Cells: Four single-card holding spots above the tableau, used for temporary storage[4][5][6].
• Foundation Piles: Four piles above the tableau, one per suit, to which cards are moved in sequence starting from Ace up to King[3][4][5][8].

Example Tableau Setup:

• Column 1: 7 cards
• Column 2: 7 cards
• Column 3: 7 cards
• Column 4: 7 cards
• Column 5: 6 cards
• Column 6: 6 cards
• Column 7: 6 cards
• Column 8: 6 cards[3][4][5].

Rules & Gameplay

Moves Allowed

• Move only the top card of any tableau pile or a card from a Free Cell[1][3][4].
• Building Tableau Sequences: Build down by alternating colors (e.g., place a red 9 on a black 10)[3][4][6].
• Using Free Cells: Move a single card to any empty Free Cell for temporary storage; each cell holds only one card[1][3][5].
• Moving to Foundations: Move any available Ace to start a foundation; add cards in ascending order by suit (Ace, 2, 3, … King)[1][4][6][8].
• Empty Tableau Piles: You can place any single card or descending, alternating-color sequence into an empty tableau spot[2][3][4].

Supermoves (Moving Sequences)

• You may move multiple cards in a descending, alternating-color sequence between tableau columns, but only if you have enough empty Free Cells and/or empty tableau columns. The maximum number of cards you can move at once equals the number of empty Free Cells plus one, with each empty tableau column doubling this number[3][2].

Winning the Game

• Win Condition: Once all 52 cards are placed in the foundations, sorted by suit from Ace to King, you win[3][4][6][8].
• Most deals are solvable, making FreeCell one of the most skill-based solitaire games[3][6].

Strategy Tips

• Uncover Aces Early: Prioritize releasing and moving Aces to the foundations as soon as possible[6].
• Use Free Cells Carefully: Avoid filling up all Free Cells, as they restrict your ability to move sequences. Reserve Free Cells for critical moves that unlock needed cards[2][6].
• Alternate Colors Strategically: Build tableau piles to maximize flexibility for future moves, keeping options open for uncovering key cards and transferring sequences[2][6].
• Plan Ahead: Always consider the implications of each move; sometimes it's better to hold off moving a card to the foundation if it aids in untangling complicated tableau sequences[2][6].
• Use Empty Tableaus: An empty tableau pile greatly increases your ability to maneuver and move sequences[2][3].
• Count Maximum Moves: The sequence moving limit:
• With 4 empty Free Cells and 1 empty tableau, you can move up to (2 \times (4+1) = 10) cards at once[3].

Quick Reference Table: FreeCell Elements

| Element | Purpose | Example | |------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Tableau | Build sequences in descending order, alternating colors | Black 7 on Red 8| | Free Cell | Temporarily store a single card to facilitate moves | Store a King | | Foundation | Build up by suit from Ace to King | Hearts Ace, 2, 3| | Empty Tableau | Move any card or sequence (per empty-cell rules) | Place red 9 |

History and Author

FreeCell was invented by Paul Alfille in 1978 as a computer game, adapting earlier solitaire concepts and formalizing the modern rules[4][3]. It achieved widespread popularity after being included with Microsoft Windows starting in 1995, becoming one of the most-played computer card games in history[3][4].

For in-depth gameplay, strategy guides, and to play online, visit reputable websites such as Solitaired, 247FreeCell, AARP Games, SolitaireBliss, and others listed above[2][3][4][6].

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all Freecell games winnable?

   Almost! It's a common belief that every game is winnable, and it's very close to the truth. Statistically, over 99.9% of all possible Freecell deals are solvable. This is why it's considered a game of skill rather than luck, as victory almost always depends on your strategy.

2. How is Freecell different from classic Solitaire (Klondike)?

   The biggest difference is that in Freecell, all 52 cards are dealt face-up at the start. There is no hidden information or stock pile to draw from. This makes Freecell a game of pure strategy and planning, whereas classic Solitaire involves more luck due to the unknown cards.

3. What is the main strategy for winning Freecell?

   A key strategy is to keep your four free cells as empty as possible. They are your most valuable resource for maneuvering cards. Also, try to clear out entire columns early on. An empty column acts as an extra free cell and dramatically increases the number of cards you can move at once.

4. How many cards can I move at one time?

   Officially, you can only move one card at a time. However, most digital versions allow you to move a sequence of correctly ordered cards (e.g., Red 8, Black 7, Red 6) as a group. The number of cards you can move in a sequence depends on how many empty free cells and empty columns you have.

5. What are the 'free cells' for?

   The four free cells in the top-left corner are temporary holding spots. You can place any single card there to 'free up' a card underneath it in the tableau. Using these cells wisely is the most critical skill in Freecell.

6. Is playing Freecell good for your brain?

   Yes, absolutely. Freecell is an excellent mental workout. Because it requires strategic planning, problem-solving, and thinking several moves ahead, it helps to sharpen cognitive skills and improve concentration.