THE PLAYBOOK · CD12372
Understand the basics of FreeCell
Take a moment with FreeCell before moving to another game. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at what changes after your first action. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
One thing to notice as you play
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.
The objective of a round
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Using the playing area
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Use the control method described here for this activity. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
Work through an example
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Choose a deliberate next step.
One detail worth checking
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Questions about this game
What is the goal of FreeCell?
The key detail is this: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
While learning, 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.
What example helps explain FreeCell?
For clarity: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
When I return, 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.
On this playing page, what format does FreeCell offer?
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
For my first round, which play mode does FreeCell use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.