FreeCell Online – Play the FreeCell Card Game
Play FreeCell online – the classic FreeCell card game (a.k.a. cardgame FreeCell) right in your browser. No download, free to play, mobile friendly.
How to Play FreeCell
FreeCell Solitaire is a strategic single–player card game played with one standard 52–card deck. Unlike other solitaire games, all cards are dealt face up, so success depends on planning and efficient use of the four free cells.
Objective
Move all cards to the four foundation piles, building each foundation by suit from Ace up to King (A → K).
Layout
- Free cells (4): Temporary holding spots. Each free cell can hold exactly one card.
- Foundations (4): One per suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades). Build up in suit from A to K.
- Tableau columns (8): The main play area. The first four columns start with 7 cards each, the last four with 6.
Rules and Legal Moves
- Tableau building: Build cards in descending rank with alternating colors (e.g., 9♠ on 10♥, 8♦ on 9♣).
- Move groups (sequences): You can move a properly ordered, alternating–color sequence as a unit, but the maximum length depends on your temporary storage capacity (see formula below).
- Empty tableau: Any single card or valid sequence (within capacity) can be moved to an empty column.
- Free cells: Move any single card to a free cell if one is empty; later you can move it back onto the tableau or to a foundation.
- Foundations: Build up by suit starting at Ace (A, 2, 3, …, K). Cards moved to the foundation advance your progress.
How many cards can I move at once?
The longest sequence you can move at one time is limited by your available space. The standard FreeCell capacity is: (# of empty free cells + 1) × 2(# of empty tableau columns). Keep free cells and columns open to move longer sequences.
Controls (FreeCell Online)
- Drag & drop: Move a single card or a valid sequence between piles.
- Click-to-best-move: Click a card to auto–perform the best available move (priority: foundation, a strong tableau placement, then free cell if helpful).
- Undo: Use the Undo buttons to step back if you make a mistake.
Scoring & Tracking
- Score: Moving a card to the foundation increases your score. Pulling a card back from the foundation reduces it. Other moves are neutral.
- Moves: Every completed action increases the move counter.
- Timer: Tracks your game duration.
Winning Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Aces and low cards: Freeing Aces and small cards accelerates foundation building.
- Keep free cells open: Treat free cells as staging spots, not permanent storage.
- Create empty columns: An empty tableau column dramatically increases your moving capacity.
- Build balanced colors: Aim to keep alternating–color options available across columns.
- Uncover deeply buried cards: Target moves that reveal hidden blockers in long columns.
- Don’t rush to foundations: Sometimes holding back a key card keeps more tableau moves open.
- Think a few moves ahead: Plan sequences that free up space and extend runs efficiently.
FreeCell FAQ
Is every FreeCell deal solvable?
Almost all randomized deals are solvable, but a very small fraction are not. Planning and space management are the keys to solving most games.
What counts as a legal move?
Tableau cards must be placed on a card one rank higher and of the opposite color. Foundations are built up by suit from Ace to King. A free cell holds any single card.
How many cards can I move at once?
You can move a properly ordered, alternating–color sequence whose length does not exceed (empty free cells + 1) × 2(empty columns).
What’s the difference between FreeCell and Klondike?
In FreeCell, all cards start face up and there’s no stock/waste. The challenge is managing space via free cells and empty columns rather than flipping hidden cards.
Can I undo moves?
Yes. Use the Undo buttons to backtrack and try a different line of play.
What are the free cells for?
They are temporary holding spaces to help you rearrange cards and build longer alternating sequences on the tableau or reach the foundations.
Any beginner strategy?
Start by freeing Aces and creating an empty column as soon as possible. Keep at least one free cell open and avoid burying low cards you’ll need for early foundation builds.