How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · 360-L

How to play FreeCell

FreeCell gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

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

Build a steady rhythm

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. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Start with a deliberate move.

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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

A useful example

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.

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. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Common questions