FreeCell

The classic solitaire where every card is face up and almost every deal can be won. Use the four free cells wisely, build down in alternating colors and move all 52 cards to the foundations.

How to use the FreeCell

1. Start a game: press New game for a random classic deal, or type a deal number and press Play deal.
2. Move cards by dragging them, or click a card to send it to the best place: a foundation, another column, a free cell or an empty column.
3. Build the columns down in alternating colors, such as a red 9 on a black 10. Any card can go into a free cell or an empty column.
4. Move runs: you can move an ordered run of cards at once if there are enough free cells and empty columns to do it one card at a time.
5. Build each foundation from Ace to King in one suit. Use Hint (H) when stuck and Undo (Ctrl+Z) to try another plan.

FreeCell layout and rules

How many cards can you move at once?

Officially you move one card at a time, but moving a run of ordered cards is allowed whenever it could be done with single moves through the free spaces. The limit is:

Max run = (free cells + 1) × 2^{empty columns}

When the destination is itself an empty column, it does not count as one of the empty columns in the formula.

FreeCell strategy tips

• Free the Aces and 2s early. Look for low cards buried in the columns and plan how to dig them out first.
• Keep free cells empty. Every free cell you fill halves your flexibility. Only park a card if you can see how to use it again soon.
• An empty column is worth more than a free cell. It doubles the size of the runs you can move, so try to clear a short column early.
• Think before moving a run into an empty column. It often uses up the column for little gain. Moving a single key card there can be better.
• Use undo and replay deals. Every deal number gives the same layout, so you can come back to a hard deal (try #1, #617 or the famous unsolvable #11982) and try a new plan.

Keyboard: Tab to a card and press Enter to move it, H for a hint, Ctrl + Z to undo. You can also link straight to a deal with ?deal=1234 at the end of the address.

Frequently asked questions

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