THE PLAYBOOK · LYSTDQ
Rules, controls and help for FreeCell
Bring your attention to one round of FreeCell. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Try a more deliberate round
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.
What counts as success
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Notice how the game responds to your input.
The order of play
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
An example before you play
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. Read the matching step again.
Avoid this misunderstanding
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. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Clarifying the way this game works
On this playing page, what is the goal of FreeCell?
Here is the relevant explanation: Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
While reading the Guide, how do I control FreeCell?
For clarity: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
As a new player, what example helps explain FreeCell?
Here is the relevant explanation: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
While learning, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
Keep this in mind: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
For this browser game, what format does FreeCell offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
For my first round, which play mode does FreeCell use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.