THE PLAYBOOK · NX12653
An introduction to playing FreeCell
Read the aim of FreeCell, then make your first move. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Build familiarity through play
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. Keep the objective visible.
The purpose of your moves
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
Follow these playing steps
- Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
- Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
- Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
- 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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Look at the feedback after the action.
An example to follow
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Read the matching step again.
A useful caution
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Check the rule before repeating the action. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
More answers before you play
For my first round, what is the goal of FreeCell?
Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
How do I control FreeCell?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
Before I begin, what example helps explain FreeCell?
Keep this in mind: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
For clarity: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
What format does FreeCell offer?
For clarity: One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Before I begin, which play mode does FreeCell use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.