Play FreeCell Solitaire online for free - the
classic FreeCell card game made famous by Windows.
All cards are dealt face up, so every move is about planning, not
luck. No download, no sign-up, and it works on desktop and mobile.
FreeCell at a Glance
- Game type: Single-player solitaire card game
- Deck: One standard 52-card deck
- Goal: Build four foundations from Ace to King by suit
- Special feature: Four free cells for temporary storage
- Key skill: Planning multiple moves ahead
What Is FreeCell Solitaire?
FreeCell Solitaire is a classic solitaire card game where
every card is visible from the start. Because there
is no stock or waste pile, the challenge is to organize the tableau
using the four free cells, then build each suit up to the King.
FreeCell Rules (Complete, Detailed)
These are the standard rules for the FreeCell card game
used in classic and online versions.
1) Objective
Move all cards to the four foundation piles, building each
foundation by suit from Ace up to King (A to K).
2) Setup and Layout
The layout has three zones: free cells, foundations, and tableau.
All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight tableau columns.
- Free cells (4): Temporary holding spots. Each free cell holds 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.
3) Tableau Building Rules
The tableau is where you organize cards into descending, alternating
sequences.
- Build down by rank: 10 can take a 9, 9 can take an 8, and so on.
- Alternate colors: Red must go on black, black must go on red.
- Move sequences: A correctly ordered sequence can be moved as a unit if you have enough free space.
- Empty column rule: Any single card or valid sequence can be moved into an empty tableau column.
4) Using the Free Cells
Each free cell holds one card and acts like temporary storage. You
can move any single card to an empty free cell at any time. Later,
you can move that card back to the tableau or to a foundation when
the move is legal. Keeping free cells available is the core skill
in FreeCell Solitaire.
5) Building the Foundations
Foundations are built by suit from Ace to King. You can move a card
to a foundation when it is the next required rank of that suit. For
example, the 3 of Hearts can only be placed on the 2 of Hearts.
6) How Many Cards Can You Move at Once?
The longest sequence you can move at one time is limited by your
available space. The standard FreeCell capacity is:
(empty free cells + 1) x 2^(empty tableau columns).
Example: If you have 2 empty free cells and 1 empty tableau column,
you can move up to (2 + 1) x 2^1 = 6 cards as a sequence.
7) Winning the Game
You win when all 52 cards are in the foundations in correct suit
order. Most FreeCell deals are solvable, but success depends on
protecting your available space and avoiding blocked low cards.
FreeCell Online Controls
- Drag and 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.
- Undo: Use Undo to step back if you make a mistake.
Scoring and Tracking
- Score: Moving a card to the foundation increases your score.
- Moves: Every completed action increases the move counter.
- Timer: Tracks your game duration.
FreeCell Strategy Tips
- Free Aces and 2s early so you can start foundations.
- Keep free cells open for flexibility and longer moves.
- Create an empty column as soon as possible to expand your moving capacity.
- Balance colors when building the tableau to avoid dead ends.
- Uncover buried low cards instead of stacking high cards too soon.
- Delay some foundation moves if it blocks tableau rearrangements.
- Plan several moves ahead, especially before using the last free cell.
How to Play FreeCell (Video)
FreeCell FAQ
Is every FreeCell deal solvable?
Most deals are solvable, but a small fraction are not. Smart use of free cells and empty columns solves the vast majority of games.
What counts as a legal move in FreeCell?
In the tableau, build down by rank with alternating colors. Foundations build up by suit from Ace to King. Free cells hold one card each.
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) x 2^(empty columns).
What is the difference between FreeCell and Klondike Solitaire?
FreeCell deals all cards face up and has no stock or waste. Klondike uses hidden cards and a draw pile.
Is FreeCell a game of skill or luck?
FreeCell is mostly skill-based because all cards are visible. Good planning and space management matter more than chance.
Why is FreeCell called FreeCell?
The name comes from the four free cells that let you temporarily store cards to rearrange the tableau.
Can I undo moves?
Yes. Use Undo to step back and try a different line of play.
What are the free cells for?
They are temporary holding spaces that let you rearrange cards and extend your sequences.
Any beginner strategy?
Free the Aces early, keep at least one free cell open, and try to create an empty column quickly.