♠Game Basics
What is FreeCell Solitaire?
FreeCell is a solitaire card game played with a standard 52-card deck. Unlike most solitaire variants, every card is dealt face-up from the start — no luck involved, just pure skill. Your goal is to move all 52 cards to four foundation piles, building each suit from Ace to King.
Is every FreeCell game winnable?
Almost. Of the original 32,000 Microsoft FreeCell numbered deals, only one (deal #11982) has been proven impossible. About 99.999% of all randomly dealt games have at least one solution. So when you lose, it’s almost always a strategic mistake, not a bad deal.
How do you win a game of FreeCell?
You win by moving all 52 cards to the four foundation piles, one per suit, stacked from Ace up to King. Most digital versions auto-complete the game once every remaining card is in proper descending order. For a deeper walkthrough, see our How to Play guide.
How many cards are in a FreeCell game?
A standard 52-card deck — 13 cards per suit (Ace through King), four suits (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs). All 52 are dealt face-up into 8 columns at the start. The first four columns get 7 cards each and the last four get 6.
Is FreeCell the same as Solitaire?
FreeCell is a type of solitaire, but it’s very different from Klondike (the game most people call “Solitaire”). In Klondike, cards are hidden and you draw from a stock pile. In FreeCell, every card is visible from the start and there’s no stock pile. FreeCell is almost entirely skill-based, while Klondike involves significant luck.
♥Rules & Gameplay
How is FreeCell different from Klondike?
The biggest difference: in FreeCell, all 52 cards are dealt face-up. No hidden cards, no stock pile to draw from. FreeCell also gives you four temporary storage spaces (free cells) that Klondike doesn’t have. Win rates are also much higher in FreeCell due to the total information available.
How many cards can I move at once?
Technically, official FreeCell rules only let you move one card at a time. But most computer versions allow supermoves — moving an ordered sequence as a shortcut, as long as there are enough empty free cells and columns to theoretically do the individual moves. The formula is: (1 + empty free cells) × 2empty columns.
Can you move multiple cards between columns?
Yes, as long as the cards form a valid descending sequence with alternating colors, and you have enough empty free cells and columns to support the move. For example, you can move a red 5 on a black 6 as a pair if you have at least one empty free cell or column available.
What happens when you run out of moves?
If all four free cells are full, no columns are empty, and no card can legally be placed on another card or foundation, the game is lost. Use the undo button to backtrack and try a different approach. Most “stuck” positions are avoidable with better planning earlier in the game.
What are the four empty spaces for?
The four spaces in the top-left are free cells — temporary parking spots that each hold exactly one card. They give you breathing room to reorganize the tableau. But fill them all and you're nearly paralyzed — keeping them empty is one of the most important strategic principles.
♦Strategy & Winning
What is a good FreeCell win percentage?
It depends on experience. Beginners typically win 30–50%. Intermediate players hit 65–80%. Advanced players land in the 80–90% range. Experts consistently clear 90%+. Since nearly every deal is solvable, your win rate is a direct reflection of your foresight and planning ability.
What’s the best first move in FreeCell?
There\u2019s no universal best first move, but the best approach is to scan the entire board for 30 seconds before touching anything. Look for exposed Aces, buried low cards, and natural sequences already in place. Your first move should usually uncover a buried Ace or create space. Our Strategy Guide covers opening play in depth.
How do I get better at FreeCell?
Focus on three habits: (1) always scan the board before your first move, (2) keep free cells empty as long as possible, and (3) plan 3\u20135 moves ahead instead of making obvious moves. Use the undo button to explore different lines. Most players see major improvement within 20\u201330 games of deliberate practice. See our 25 Tips & Tricks for specific actionable advice.
What is a supermove?
A supermove lets you move multiple cards at once between columns, as long as there are enough empty free cells and columns to theoretically move them one at a time. The formula is: (1 + empty free cells) × 2empty columns. With 2 empty free cells and 1 empty column, you can move 6 cards at once. Learn more in our How to Play guide.
Should I use free cells or empty columns?
Empty columns are almost always more valuable. A free cell holds exactly one card, while an empty column can hold an entire sequence. Empty columns also double your supermove capacity exponentially. Use free cells only as a last resort and clear them as quickly as possible.
Ready to Play?
Now that you have the answers, put your knowledge to work at the table.