How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · ZHOUSIMIAN

Understand the basics of FreeCell

Choose a round of FreeCell and settle into its rules. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at what changes after your first action. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.

A small practice goal

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.

What counts as success

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Follow these playing steps

Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Choosing and moving on screen

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

An example before you play

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Check the stated objective.

One detail worth checking

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.