THE PLAYBOOK · WHWYBK
How to play FreeCell
Read the aim of FreeCell, then make your first move. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Look at what changes after your first action.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Keep the controls in easy reach.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
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.
A useful example
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Check the stated objective.
Watch out for this
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
When I return, what is the goal of FreeCell?
The key detail is this: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
While reading the Guide, how do I control FreeCell?
The key detail is this: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
When I return, what example helps explain FreeCell?
Keep this in mind: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
While learning, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
The key detail is this: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
While reading the Guide, what format does FreeCell offer?
The key detail is this: One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
As a new player, which play mode does FreeCell use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.