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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play FreeCell

Play FreeCell ↗

Game guide · PYZSB

An introduction to playing FreeCell

Before making a move, check the cards in view. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Select cards directly on the tableau and work through a full solo deal. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

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

Something to practise

Look at the complete hand before deciding. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What you need to achieve

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear. Begin with the objective.

The order of play

  1. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
  2. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
  3. Move exposed cards onto suit foundations in the stated rank order.
  4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Making selections and moves

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear. Begin with the objective.

An example to follow

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Check this before moving on

Before making a move, check the cards in view. Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

If you are unsure

What is the aim?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Work at your own pace. Use another round to revisit a decision.

How do I use the controls?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Keep the active rule in mind. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Which format is available?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

What should I check before a move?

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Can you give an example?

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Take a moment to read the table. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Which controls should I use?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Which version is played here?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. Use the rule sheet as a reference. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Does play involve an account or cash?

No. Play is free, without registration, deposits, bets or cash prizes. Begin with the objective. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

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