A game of pure skill
In FreeCell every card is dealt face up into eight columns, so there is no luck after the deal: everything you need to know is on the table. Four free cells give you room to dig out buried cards, and a run of cards can move together whenever there is enough free space to shuffle it across one card at a time.
Strategy tips
- Plan before you play. All the cards are visible, so look for the Aces and low cards first and work out how to free them.
- Keep free cells free. Each empty cell doubles what you can move later. Fill one only when it uncovers something useful.
- Empty a column. An empty column is worth more than a free cell: it doubles the size of the runs you can move.
- Let the auto-move help. Cards that can no longer be useful go to the foundations on their own, so you can focus on the hard part.
Numbered deals
Every game here uses the same numbering as the original Windows FreeCell, so deal #1 here is the same as deal #1 there. The number of the current game is shown above the table and in the address bar, so you can share or replay any deal.
How to play FreeCell Solitaire
- 1
Know the goal
Move all 52 cards to the four foundations, one suit each, from Ace up to King.
- 2
Build down the columns
Place a card on one that is one rank higher and the opposite colour, such as a black 8 on a red 9.
- 3
Use the free cells
Each of the four free cells holds one card. Use them to dig out the cards you need, but keep at least one free when you can.
- 4
Move runs
You can move a run of cards at once if there is room to shuffle it through the free cells and empty columns.
Play a numbered deal
Every deal has a number, the same as in the classic Windows game. Share a deal by its link, or start from one of these:
Frequently asked questions
What are FreeCell deal numbers?
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Each deal has a number, the same numbering used by the classic Windows game. The same number always gives the same cards, so you can replay a deal or share it by its link.
Is every FreeCell game winnable?
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Almost. Of the original 32,000 numbered deals, only deal
How many cards can I move at once?
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As many as the free space allows. With f free cells and e empty columns you can move (f + 1) × 2^e cards, or half that when the destination is itself an empty column.
Why do some cards jump to the foundations by themselves?
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A card moves up automatically only when it can never be needed on the table again, so the auto-move never costs you a winning line.
Can I play with a keyboard?
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Yes. Focus the table, move between cells, foundations and columns with the arrow keys, press Enter to pick up and place, A to auto-move, H for a hint and Ctrl+Z to undo.
Prefer tiles?
Try Mahjong Solitaire: six layouts, and every deal is guaranteed to be solvable.
Play Mahjong