FreeCell: practical guide
Learn the game clearly: rules, step‑by‑step examples and strategy to avoid mistakes.
60‑second summary:
Updated: 2025-11-12 • 6–12 min read
- Goal: move all cards to foundations by suit, starting from Aces.
- Board: 4 free cells, 4 foundations, 8 tableau columns.
- Build tableau in descending alternating colors; you can move limited sequences based on free cells.
- Skill‑heavy: most deals are solvable with planning.
Beginner — board layout
Objective Build up foundations by suit (A→K).
Areas 4 free cells, 4 foundations, 8 tableau columns.
Intermediate — movement rules
- Build tableau in descending alternating colours.
- Move sequences limited by number of empty free cells/columns (the “multimove” rule).
- Use free cells temporarily to reorganise.
Strategy & tips
- Free cells are precious — keep at least one empty.
- Expose low cards to start foundations early.
- Vacate a column to move longer sequences.
Rules — quick reference
- Foundations build A→K by suit.
- Only one card may be placed in each free cell.
- Empty columns accept any single card (or a sequence if space allows).
Common mistakes
- Filling all free cells too early.
- Blocking foundations by moving high cards on top of low ones.
- Not clearing a column when the opportunity arises.
Glossary
Free cell: a single‑card holding space.
Foundation: goal piles by suit (A→K).
Tableau: working columns where you build sequences.
FAQ
Depends on empty free cells and columns (multimove capacity).
Expose and move Aces/low cards to foundations, while keeping cells free.