THE PLAYBOOK · HONGYIWEN
How to play FreeCell
Try FreeCell at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at what changes after your first action. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful 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 controls nearby.
Watch out for this
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Common questions
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of FreeCell?
The key detail is this: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
While learning, how do I control FreeCell?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
Before I begin, what example helps explain FreeCell?
The key detail is this: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
Here is the relevant explanation: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
When I return, 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.
While learning, which play mode does FreeCell use?
The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.