FreeCell Objective
The goal of FreeCell Solitaire is to move all 52 cards from the tableau to the four foundation piles by suit.
Cards in each foundation pile should ascend from ace to king (A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K).
This Solitaire card game is an easy variation because all cards are face up, allowing you to strategically plan
for possible moves. Almost all FreeCell card games are winnable.
FreeCell Setup
You use three key areas in when playing a game of FreeCell:
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Tableau: The tableau has all 52 cards placed face up in eight columns. The first four columns have
seven cards and the next four columns have six cards.
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Free cells: There are four empty free cells to the top left of the tableau. You can place any card in
these open cells to help you arrange the tableau. However, the number of available free cells dictate how
long of a sequence you can move. You can move a sequence equal to the number of open free cells plus one.
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Foundation piles: There are four foundation piles to the top right of the tableau — one for each
suit. Complete each foundation pile ascending from ace to king to win the game.
Solitaire Bliss allows you to customize your game appearance, such as backgrounds and card backs, and display in
settings. Just click on the gear icons and choose your ideal setup.
How to Play FreeCell
FreeCell rules are simple, but it
takes strategy and planning to win the game.
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Arrange cards in descending order and alternating color. The goal is to arrange the tableau to free
up cards for foundation piles. You can do so by moving a card or sequence of cards on top of one that is one
rank higher and the opposite color. For example, you can move a five of clubs onto a six of hearts.
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Move cards to free cells as needed. Moving cards from the tableau to free cells can make other cards
available to sequence or move to a foundation pile. However, you want to avoid filling all the free cells if
possible because the fewer free cells you have, the shorter sequences you can move. The number of cards you
can move at once is equal to the number of free cells plus one. For example, if you have two free cells you
can move a sequence of up to three cards.
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Move tableau or free cell cards to foundation piles. Cards can be moved from both the tableau and
free cells to their appropriate foundation pile. Remember, foundation piles must start with an ace and
ascend in order by suit. For example, if you have an ace of spades and two of spades in a foundation pile,
the next card that goes on that pile is a three of spades.
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Fill empty columns with any card or sequence of cards. In FreeCell, you can move any card or sequence
of cards into empty columns, unlike
classic Solitaire where
you can only move kings to empty columns.
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Use the undo button as needed. If you realize there's a better move or get stuck and want to
backtrack, you can use the undo button.
FreeCell Strategy
Now that you have the basics down, improve your chances of winning by using these
FreeCell strategies.
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Locate the aces and twos in the tableau. Since aces are required to start the foundation piles, it's
best to uncover them early. Before making any moves, survey the tableau and plan how you'll uncover the
aces. If an ace is available, move it to the foundation pile immediately.
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Avoid filling all four free cells. If all four free cells are filled, you can only move one card at a
time. Avoid filling them all unless you have a plan to move cards from the free cells back to the tableau.
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Thoughtfully move cards to vacant columns. Vacant columns give you an advantage because any card or
sequence of cards can be moved there. However, make sure you use them to further your gameplay. Moving
higher ranking cards to empty columns can give you more runway because there are more cards you can build on
them. Kings may not always be the best card to move there because you can't move them on top of any other
cards, freeing the column again.
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Avoid building long sequences that block cards. Remember, you can only move a sequence equal to the
number of free cells plus one, so you'll want to avoid building lengthy sequences that block cards you need
to uncover. Split up sequences where possible so that you don't get stuck.
Other Games You'll Enjoy
Solitaire Bliss has many free games to choose from! If you like FreeCell, try the Solitaire games
Eight Off or
Baker's Game. Both deal all 52 cards face up,
have free cells, and aim to move cards to foundation piles ascending in order by suit. However, Eight Off has
eight free cells and Baker's Game has different sequencing rules.
