How to Play FreeCell Solitaire
FreeCell is a unique solitaire variant where all 52 cards are dealt face-up from the start, making it a game of pure strategy with no hidden information. Nearly every deal is solvable — the challenge is finding the right sequence of moves.
📋 Rules
Setup
All 52 cards are dealt face-up into 8 tableau columns (4 columns of 7 cards and 4 columns of 6 cards). Four empty free cells and four foundation piles are at the top.
Free Cells
The four free cells are temporary storage. Each can hold one card at a time. Use them strategically to maneuver cards around the tableau.
Moving Cards
Build tableau columns down in alternating colors. You can move one card at a time, but the game uses "supermove" — you can move a valid sequence if there are enough empty free cells and columns.
Foundations
Build foundation piles up in suit from Ace to King. The game is won when all cards reach the foundations.
Supermove
The number of cards you can move at once equals (empty free cells + 1) × 2^(empty columns). With 2 free cells and 1 empty column, you can move up to 6 cards.
🧠 Strategy Tips
- Plan several moves ahead — since all cards are visible, take your time to strategize.
- Keep free cells empty whenever possible. Each occupied free cell limits your mobility.
- Prioritize uncovering Aces and Deuces early in the game.
- Try to empty a column early — empty columns are even more powerful than free cells for maneuvering.
- Build long descending sequences of alternating colors when you can.
- Avoid filling free cells with high-value cards — they're hard to get out later.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is every FreeCell game solvable?
Nearly! Of the original 32,000 numbered FreeCell deals in Windows, all but one (#11982) are solvable. Overall, about 99.999% of deals are winnable.
What is a supermove?
A "supermove" lets you move multiple cards at once as a shortcut. Behind the scenes, it's the equivalent of using free cells and empty columns to move cards one at a time.
How is FreeCell different from regular Solitaire?
All cards are face-up (no hidden information), there's no stock/waste pile, and you have 4 free cells for temporary storage. This makes it almost entirely skill-based.