THE PLAYBOOK · HBFLCG
A practical guide to FreeCell
Bring your attention to one round of FreeCell. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the example below to understand a decision. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
A small practice goal
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Make the next step deliberately.
What you are aiming for
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
Start here and follow along
- Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
- Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
- Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
- Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.
Keyboard and screen controls
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Use the control method described here for this activity. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
Follow the example
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Keep the game’s format in mind.
A common point of confusion
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Compare the situation with the worked example. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
If you are unsure
On this playing page, what is the goal of FreeCell?
Here is the relevant explanation: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
While reading the Guide, how do I control FreeCell?
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
As a new player, what example helps explain FreeCell?
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
While learning, what format does FreeCell offer?
Keep this in mind: One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Which play mode does FreeCell use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.