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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play FreeCell

Play FreeCell ↗

Game guide · HRBJFRHG

FreeCell: learn through an example

Before making a move, check the cards in view. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Select cards directly on the tableau and work through a full solo deal. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. A clear plan starts with the current position. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

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

Work at your own pace. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot. Use another round to revisit a decision.

The purpose of your moves

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use another round to revisit a decision. Look at the complete hand before deciding.

Start here and follow along

  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. Move exposed cards onto suit foundations in the stated rank order.
  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. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. Take a moment to read the table.

A useful example

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Keep this in mind

For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Helpful answers for players

What is the aim?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Take a moment to read the table. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

How do I use the controls?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Which format is available?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. Take a moment to read the table. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What should I check before a move?

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Can you give an example?

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Which controls should I use?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Which version is played here?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. Take a moment to read the table. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Does play involve an account or cash?

No. Play is free, without registration, deposits, bets or cash prizes. Keep the active rule in mind. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Work at your own pace. Use another round to revisit a decision.

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