How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · ZHYCMS

Understand the basics of FreeCell

Make FreeCell your next activity in the game library. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Use the example below to understand a decision.

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.

Give this approach a try

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.

The purpose of your moves

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Follow these playing steps

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.

The controls to know

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Check any mode label before starting.

Work through an example

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.