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An introduction to playing FreeCell

Give this approach a try

Work at your own pace. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

The goal to keep in mind

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear. Work at your own pace.

Follow these playing steps

  1. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
  2. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
  3. Move exposed cards onto suit foundations in the stated rank order.
  4. 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. Check the relevant controls before continuing. Keep the active rule in mind.

An example before you play

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

A useful caution

Work at your own pace. Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Game-specific help

What is the aim?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Take a moment to read the table. Use another round to revisit a decision.

How do I use the controls?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Keep the active rule in mind. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Which format is available?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

What should I check before a move?

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Work at your own pace. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Can you give an example?

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Begin with the objective. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Which controls should I use?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Work at your own pace. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Which version is played here?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. Work at your own pace. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Does play involve an account or cash?

No. Play is free, without registration, deposits, bets or cash prizes. Take a moment to read the table. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Use another round to revisit a decision.