FreeCell rules

Game setup

FreeCell uses a standard 52-card deck. All cards are dealt face-up into several areas:

The tableau (main playing area)

• Eight columns of cards are dealt face-up
• Columns 1-4: 7 cards each
• Columns 5-8: 6 cards each
• All cards are visible from the beginning
• Only the bottom card of each column can be moved

The free cells

Four empty spaces in the upper left corner where you can temporarily store individual cards.

The foundation piles

Four empty spaces in the upper right corner where you'll build your winning sequences (Ace to King by suit).

How to play

Basic moves

1. Tableau to tableau: Move cards between columns following these rules:
   • Cards must be placed in descending order (King, Queen, Jack, 10, etc.)
   • Cards must alternate colors (red on black, black on red)
   • Only one card can be moved at a time (unless using sequence moves)
   • Any card can be placed in an empty tableau column
2. Using free cells:
   • Move any available card to an empty free cell
   • Move cards from free cells to tableau or foundation piles
   • Each free cell can hold only one card
   • Free cells are temporary storage - use them strategically
3. Building foundations:
   • Start each foundation with an Ace
   • Build up in suit order (A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K)
   • Only the next card in sequence can be added
   • Cards can be moved from foundations back to tableau if needed
4. Sequence moves:
   • Move multiple cards as a sequence if they form a proper descending, alternating-color sequence
   • The number of cards you can move depends on available free cells and empty columns
   • Formula: (Free cells + 1) × 2^(Empty columns) = Maximum sequence length

Winning and losing

How to win

You win when all 52 cards are moved to the four foundation piles, with each pile containing a complete suit from Ace to King.

When you're stuck

Unlike regular Solitaire, almost all FreeCell games are winnable with perfect play. You're stuck when:

• All free cells are occupied
• No valid moves are available in the tableau
• Cards needed for progress are buried under other cards with no way to access them

The mathematics of sequence moves

Understanding how many cards you can move at once is crucial for FreeCell strategy:

Sequence move formula

Maximum cards = (Free cells + 1) × 2^(Empty columns)

Examples:

• 4 free cells, 0 empty columns: (4+1) × 2^0 = 5 × 1 = 5 cards
• 2 free cells, 1 empty column: (2+1) × 2^1 = 3 × 2 = 6 cards
• 0 free cells, 2 empty columns: (0+1) × 2^2 = 1 × 4 = 4 cards
• 1 free cell, 1 empty column: (1+1) × 2^1 = 2 × 2 = 4 cards

Strategy tips

1. Plan before you move: Since all cards are visible, plan several moves ahead
2. Create empty columns: Empty columns are more valuable than free cells for moving sequences
3. Don't rush to foundations: Sometimes keeping cards in play gives you more options
4. Use free cells wisely: Don't fill all free cells unless you have a clear plan to empty them
5. Build long sequences: Create the longest possible sequences in the tableau
6. Expose buried cards: Focus on uncovering cards that are blocking progress
7. Work backwards: Sometimes start with the end goal and work backwards to find the path

Advanced strategies

The "parking" technique

Use free cells to temporarily "park" cards that are blocking access to needed cards:

• Identify which cards you need to access
• Move blocking cards to free cells
• Make your desired moves
• Return parked cards to useful positions

Foundation timing

Don't automatically move cards to foundations. Consider:

• Will you need this card to build sequences?
• Are there cards of the opposite color that need to be placed on this card?
• Is this card blocking access to other important cards?

Empty column management

Empty columns are your most powerful tool:

• Don't fill empty columns with just any card
• Use them to facilitate large sequence moves
• Consider which King to place in an empty column carefully

Common mistakes to avoid

• Filling all free cells quickly: This severely limits your options
• Moving cards to foundations too early: You might need them for building sequences
• Not planning sequence moves: Calculate how many cards you can move before starting
• Ignoring empty columns: They're more valuable than free cells
• Making random moves: Every move should have a purpose
• Not looking ahead: Plan several moves in advance

Difficulty and variations

Standard FreeCell

The classic version with 4 free cells and 8 tableau columns. Nearly all deals are solvable.

Variations

• Baker's Game: Build tableau sequences by suit instead of alternating colors
• Eight Off: Uses 8 free cells instead of 4
• Seahaven Towers: 10 tableau columns, 4 free cells, Kings can only go in empty columns