FreeCell Solitaire
The solitaire variant where almost every deal is winnable. FreeCell deals all 52 cards face-up from the start — nothing is hidden — and gives you four "free cells" to temporarily park individual cards while you reorder the tableau. Of the 32,000 original Microsoft FreeCell deals, only a single one (deal #11982) is mathematically unsolvable. The rest are puzzles waiting to be solved.
How to Play FreeCell
Eight tableau columns, all cards face-up: columns 1–4 have seven cards each, columns 5–8 have six. Above the tableau are four free cells (each holds one card) and four foundations (build up Ace to King by suit). Goal: move every card to the foundations.
- Build tableau columns down in alternating colors (red on black, black on red).
- Move single cards between tableau columns, free cells, and foundations.
- A group of cards can be moved as a unit if it's already a proper sequence — the maximum group size depends on how many free cells and empty columns are available.
- Empty columns accept any card. Free cells accept any single card.
3 FreeCell Strategy Tips
- Plan to the end. Because all cards are visible, you can usually trace a full winning sequence from move one. Take the time.
- Don't waste free cells. Cards in free cells block themselves — only one at a time, no stacking. Use them as temporary parking, not storage.
- Empty columns multiply your power. An empty column doubles the effective number of cards you can move as a group. Aim to clear column 1 early.
FAQ
Is every FreeCell deal winnable?
Almost. Of the 32,000 original Microsoft deals, only deal #11982 is provably unsolvable. The overall percentage across all possible deals is around 99.999%.
Why is FreeCell easier than Klondike?
Two reasons: all cards are face-up (no hidden information), and the four free cells give you flexibility Klondike doesn't have.
How many cards can I move as a group?
(Empty free cells + 1) × 2^(empty columns). With all four cells empty and one empty column, you can move ten cards as a group.