Freecell
Freecell Solitaire, commonly known as Freecell, is one of the most beloved solitaire games worldwide. Its popularity surged when Microsoft began including it with every Windows operating system since 1995. While Freecell shares similarities with the classic Klondike Solitaire, it stands out due to its unique mechanics. The game's name comes from its most distinctive feature: the four free cells that can be used to help solve the puzzle. You can enjoy playing Freecell online for free on our website and explore comprehensive rules and tips to master the game. The game is developed by GameBoss, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Freecell Solitaire Rules
New to Freecell? No worries! Here's a quick rundown of the rules. Freecell is a solitaire game played with a standard deck of 52 cards, without jokers. The cards are laid out on the tableau from the start of each game. Freecell is easy to pick up, even if you’ve never played before and you can replay as many times as you like.
Game Setup and Starting a New Game
Setting up a new game of Freecell is straightforward. Below are the key elements you'll see when starting a game and how the cards are arranged for play.
- The columns of cards in the middle are called the Tableau.
- The top right section of the screen contains the Foundation (four slots).
- The four empty cells in the top left corner are the Free Cells. Use these to temporarily store cards from the Tableau to free them up for moves.
- To start a new game, the cards are dealt automatically. There are eight vertical columns in total. The first four columns hold seven cards each and the last four hold six cards each.
Object of the Game
The goal is to move all cards from the Tableau to the Foundation, sorting them by suit in ascending order from Ace to King. The four suits are Hearts and Diamonds (red) and Clubs and Spades (black).
Gameplay
In Freecell, careful planning and strategic moves are essential to win the game. Below are the basic gameplay mechanics to help you understand how to move the cards and reach the goal.
- Cards are moved one at a time, with the end goal of moving them all to the Foundation. You can move cards around the Tableau and Free Cells to free them up.
- Cards on the Tableau can only be shifted between columns if they follow a descending order and alternate in colour (for example, a red 8 on a black 9).
- Cards can be moved to the Free Cells to free up others but must follow the rules when moved back to the Tableau.
- The first card to move to the Foundation is the Ace, followed by the cards in ascending order.
- Empty rows can be filled with any card or sequence of cards, with the number of cards moved determined by the available empty Free Cells.
No Time Limit and Game Stats
One great aspect of Freecell is that it doesn't have a time limit, allowing players to carefully consider each move. The game also includes a handy card counter that shows how many cards are left on the Tableau and in the Free Cells. You can track how many games you have won and lost and review your statistics in the menu section.
Number Picker for Unique Game Selection
Freecell offers a number picker feature, allowing you to select any number between 1 and 9,999,999. Each number corresponds to a unique game setup, making it easy to replay or find your favourite games. This feature ensures that no two games are alike unless you choose to play the same number again.
Tips for Winning More Often
- Study the initial layout before making any moves and identify the Aces and key sequences.
- Focus on freeing up the Aces early and getting them to the Foundation.
- Minimize the use of Free Cells; keep them available for key moves.
- Try to create empty spaces on the Tableau and move as many cards as possible into these spaces to improve your options.
- Avoid placing cards in Free Cells unless you’re confident they can be moved back within a few turns.
Freecell Variants and History
Freecell has a rich history, having evolved from older solitaire games. The digital version we know today was programmed by Paul Alfille in 1978. Inspired by the game "Baker's Game," Freecell quickly became a hit. Its origins can be traced even further back to solitaire variants like Napoleon in St. Helena and Eight Off Solitaire.
