FreeCell

FreeCell is a highly strategic, open-information solitaire card game where nearly every deal is solvable. Developed by Paul Alfille in 1978, solvers arrange 52 face-up cards. Utilizing 8 columns and 4 free cells to temporarily store cards, the objective is to build four foundations from Ace to King by suit using click-to-move controls.

Setup

• Tableau: 8 columns of cards dealt entirely face-up (7 cards each in the first 4 columns, 6 cards each in the last 4).
• Free Cells: 4 empty temporary storage slots at the top left.
• Foundations: 4 empty target piles at the top right.

Controls

• Move card: Click or tap a card, then click/tap its destination
• Drag cards: Left-click and drag card to another column or empty cell
• Auto-move to foundations: Double-click or press Space to auto-send cards
• Undo last move: Press Ctrl + Z or click the Undo button
• Get a hint: Press H or click Hint
• Restart game: Press R or click Restart
• Mobile: Smooth tap and drag gestures optimized for touchscreen play

Rules

1. Only the top card of a tableau column or a card in a free cell is available for play.
2. Build tableau columns downward in alternating colors (e.g., placing a red 7 on a black 8).
3. Move any single card to an empty free cell (each cell holds only one card).
4. Any card or valid sequence of cards can be placed in an empty tableau column.
5. Move cards to foundations by suit in ascending order starting with Ace up to King.

Tips

• Prioritize finding and moving Aces and 2s to the foundations early to establish piles and clear tableau space.
• Keep free cells empty; they are your most valuable resource, and filling them all severely limits your sequence-moving capability.
• Try to create empty tableau columns as early as possible; they are far more valuable than free cells for moving entire card sequences.
• Spend a moment analyzing the starting layout before making your first move; look for buried low cards and plan how to free them.