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Download on Google Play- Deal all 52 cards face-up into 8 columns (4 columns of 7, 4 columns of 6).
- Leave 4 free cells and 4 foundation slots empty.
- Move the bottom card of any column to another column in descending rank, alternating color.
- Store any single card temporarily in an empty free cell.
- Build foundations up by suit from Ace to King.
- Fill empty columns with any card.
- Win by completing all four foundation piles.
- Nearly 99.999% of deals are solvable.
Rules
FreeCell is a strategic solitaire game where nearly every deal is solvable with correct play. All cards are visible from the start, and four free cells provide temporary storage, making it a pure puzzle of planning and sequencing.
Objective
Move all 52 cards to four foundation piles, building each from Ace to King by suit.
Setup
- Players: 1 player.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Tableau: Deal all 52 cards face-up into 8 columns (4 columns of 7, 4 columns of 6).
- Free Cells: Four empty cells in the upper-left for temporary card storage.
- Foundations: Four empty foundation slots, one per suit.
Gameplay
- Moving Cards: Move the bottom card of any column to another column (descending rank, alternating color), a free cell, or a foundation.
- Free Cells: Store any single card temporarily. Only one card per cell.
- Empty Columns: Any card can fill an empty column.
- Foundations: Build up by suit from Ace to King.
- Supermoves: You can move sequences of cards if enough free cells and empty columns exist to theoretically move them one at a time.
Winning
Win by building all four foundation piles from Ace to King. Nearly 99.999% of deals are solvable.
Tips and Strategies
- Plan several moves ahead before acting — FreeCell rewards foresight.
- Keep free cells empty as long as possible; they are your most valuable resource.
- Prioritize uncovering Aces and low cards buried deep in columns.
- Empty columns are more powerful than free cells — use them wisely.
Tips & Strategy
Empty columns are worth more than free cells because they allow moving longer sequences. Protect your empty columns fiercely.
Think of FreeCell as a logic puzzle, not a card game. The best players plan 10-15 moves ahead, using free cells as sparingly as possible.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Of the 32,000 deals numbered in Microsoft FreeCell, only deal #11982 was proven unsolvable, giving the game a 99.997% solvability rate.
In FreeCell, how many free cells are available for temporary card storage?
History & Culture
FreeCell became world-famous when Microsoft included it in Windows 95, making it one of the most-played computer games in history.
FreeCell is one of the most recognized solitaire games worldwide thanks to its inclusion in Windows, introducing millions to strategic single-player card gaming.
Variations & House Rules
Baker's Game uses same-suit building instead of alternating colors, making it harder. Some versions add extra free cells for easier play.
Start with 5 or 6 free cells for an easier experience. For a challenge, try with only 2 or 3 free cells.
