Freecell Solitaire Rules

Fans of classic Solitaire will enjoy learning how to play Freecell Solitaire. Even though the rules are more lenient, this variation will test your Solitaire skills. Are you up to the challenge? Our easy-to-follow guide explains the gameplay and provides some helpful tips that will have you playing like a pro in no time.

Freecell Solitaire requires a standard 52-card deck without the jokers. Before getting into the rules, we must first understand the game’s main components.

The cards are dealt face-up in the following layout:

• 4 Foundation Piles
• 8 Tableaus with 7 cards each

Unlike other variations, one of the fun challenges of Freecell Solitaire is that there is no stock or waste pile. This means that you’ll need to rely on other methods to gain access to more cards.

The four empty spaces above the columns are called free cells, and they hold only one card at a time, regardless of suit, number, or color. Use these spaces to manipulate the cards in the columns.

Cards can be moved from column to column to build runs. Sequences must be in alternating colors and in descending order. For example, a black 5 can be placed under a red six. Whether moving a single card or an existing sequence, don’t disrupt the pattern of alternating colors or the descending order sequence.

The foundation piles are built by suit and in ascending order from ace to king. In Freecell, you can move a card from the foundation pile back into the columns if you need to.

Freecell Solitaire gameplay is very similar to Klondike, with the exception of utilizing the four free cells to your advantage. Here’s how to play:

Here are some tips you can use to win your next game of Freecell Solitaire:

• Study the columns. With all cards facing up, you can easily strategize which cards to move in order to unblock key cards.
• Move with caution. Remember, there is no waste pile in this variant. Once all free cells have been occupied, there are no other spaces where you can place unplayable cards.
• Prioritize moving aces and twos. Move aces quickly to foundation piles to prevent them from blocking other cards. The same goes with twos, because they cannot build sequences in the columns.
• Use the undo and hint button. In many online games, players can take back their moves and ask for guidance if they are stuck in a game. Take full advantage of these buttons - they are there for a reason.

Learning how to play Freecell Solitaire expands your repertoire of Solitaire skills, like strategy, pattern recognition, and decision-making. See how fast you can win the game and play Freecell Solitaire today. All of our games are browser-based—no download needed! Play your favorite games anytime, anywhere with Arkadium.

Browse our wide collection of Solitaire games including Klondike, Spider Solitaire, Pyramid Solitaire, Tripeaks Solitaire, Canfield, Crescent, Forty Thieves, and other popular variants.

If you want to try something new, head over to our collection of original Arkadium games. We also have our own version of popular game shows like Family Feud, Plinko Pegs (The Price Is Right), Card Sharks, and more.