FreeCell

Objective

The objective is to move every card to the four foundations from Ace through King by suit. To get there, build tableau columns downward in alternating colors while using free cells and empty tableau columns to rearrange blocked cards.

Setup and Play Area

• FreeCell uses one standard 52-card deck with no jokers.
• All cards are dealt face up into eight tableau columns.
• Four free cells sit above the tableau and can each hold one card.
• Four foundations build upward by suit from Ace to King.
• Because every card is visible, FreeCell rewards planning more than guessing.

Available Moves

• Move one exposed tableau card to a foundation if it is the next card needed in that suit.
• Move one exposed tableau card onto another tableau card if it is one rank lower and the opposite color.
• Move one exposed tableau card into an empty free cell.
• Move a card from a free cell back to the tableau or to a foundation when legal.
• Move ordered sequences when enough free cells and empty tableau columns are available to make the move possible.

FreeCell Strategy

• Empty tableau columns are usually more powerful than free cells because they let you move longer ordered sequences.
• Avoid filling all four free cells unless the move immediately unlocks a buried card or creates an empty column.
• Before moving a card to the foundation, check whether it is still needed to build an alternating-color sequence in the tableau.
• Try to expose and free low cards early, especially Aces and Twos that start foundations.
• Use free cells as temporary parking, not permanent storage. A full free-cell row sharply limits what you can move next.

Variants

• Classic FreeCell uses four free cells and eight tableau columns, which is the version on CardGamesHQ.
• Baker's Game is a close relative that builds tableau cards down by suit instead of alternating color.
• Eight Off gives more temporary spaces but uses different tableau rules, so it plays differently from classic FreeCell.