The goal
Build all four suits on the foundations, each from ace up to king. The game is won when all 52 cards are there (how to win FreeCell).
The layout
All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight columns: four of seven cards and four of six. Above them are four free cells and four foundations, all empty at the start (how FreeCell is dealt).
Building the columns
Build downward in alternating colors: a card goes on one that is exactly one rank higher and the opposite color, such as a black 6 on a red 7. An empty column accepts any card (how to build columns).
The free cells
Each of the four free cells holds one card of any kind. Use them to park a card while you reach the one beneath it, then move it back out (how free cells work).
Moving several cards
A run of cards in descending, alternating order can move together if you have room. The limit is the number of empty free cells plus one, doubled for each empty column. With four empty cells and no empty column that is five cards (how many cards you can move at once).
The foundations
Send cards to the foundation of their suit in order, from ace to king. Double-click a card to send it straight there. A card on a foundation cannot be moved back (how the foundations work).
Moves and undo
Every card or run you move counts as one move. Undo takes back a move and its count, up to 100 moves (how moves are counted). Your game is saved in this browser.
Putting the rules to work
The rules are short, and the skill is in looking ahead. The FreeCell strategy guide covers keeping cells open and clearing a column early, or play FreeCell free with undo and a weekly leaderboard.
FreeCell rules questions
How is FreeCell dealt?
All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight columns: four columns of seven cards and four of six. The free cells and foundations start empty.
Read the full answer →How do you build columns in FreeCell?
Build downward in alternating colors: a card goes on one that is exactly one rank higher and the opposite color. An empty column takes any card.
Read the full answer →How do free cells work in FreeCell?
There are four free cells, and each holds one card of any kind. Park a card to unblock a column, then move it out again when a spot opens.
Read the full answer →How many cards can you move at once in FreeCell?
The limit is free cells plus one, doubled for every empty column. With four empty cells and no empty column, you can move five cards.
Read the full answer →How do the foundations work in FreeCell?
Each suit has a foundation built up from ace to king. Cards go there one at a time, from a column or a free cell, and cannot be moved back out.
Read the full answer →How do you win FreeCell, and can every deal be won?
You win when all 52 cards are on the foundations, each suit built from ace to king. Nearly every deal can be won, since every card is visible.
Read the full answer →How are moves counted in FreeCell?
Every card or run you move counts as one move, including a card sent to a free cell or foundation. Undo takes the move, and its count, back.
Read the full answer →Play FreeCell free →Your game is saved in this browser. No sign-up.