How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · SDYZ85

How to play FreeCell

Open FreeCell, check the instructions and begin a round. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. 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.

Review a difficult moment

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

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. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Compare the situation with the worked example. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Common questions