How to play FreeCell
Use open information, four free cells, and empty columns to solve the deal.
- Cards visible
- All 52
- Columns
- 8
- Free cells
- 4
- Goal
- 52 cards to foundations
Setup and objective
All cards begin face up in eight columns: four columns of seven cards and four of six. Move every card to the four suit foundations.
Legal moves
Build columns downward in alternating colors. Empty columns accept any card or valid run. Each free cell holds one exposed card. Foundations begin with aces and build upward by suit; their top cards may move back to a column or free cell.
Moving runs
A multi-card run needs enough temporary space. Maximum movable length is (empty free cells + 1) × 2 raised to the number of empty spare columns. Do not count the source or destination as a spare column.
Progress and end
The table tracks moves and foundation progress, not points. When every remaining card can move directly to a foundation, the game auto-finishes. Starting a new deal while unfinished records a resignation.
Beginner strategy
- Preserve empty free cells; each increases movable run length.
- An empty column is even more valuable because it multiplies run capacity.
- Expose aces and low cards early.
- Do not occupy temporary space without a plan to release it.
- Check run capacity before building a sequence you cannot relocate.