FreeCell solitaire

FreeCell solitaire is a thinking player's card game that turns a standard 52-card deck into a series of brain-teasing puzzles. Unlike many other patience games, each card is dealt face-up in eight columns, so you can see the entire board from the start. This transparency transforms the experience—there are no hidden surprises, only the consequences of your own decisions. The four free cells act as temporary parking spots, and your ultimate goal is to build the four foundation piles from Ace to King in each suit. What makes FreeCell so rewarding is that nearly every deal is winnable, but only if you plan several moves ahead. You'll need to sequence your plays carefully, freeing up key cards and working around the inherent limits of the free cells. It's a game of patience and foresight, where a single misstep can lock the board. Yet, when you finally lay that King on the foundation, the satisfaction is pure. Whether you're a seasoned solver or new to the genre, FreeCell offers an endlessly replayable mental workout.

WaffleMath

FreeCell solitaire

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

MP3Argue with math MP1Make sense of problems MP5Use tools strategically MP7Use structure 5.NF.B.3Fractions as division 3.MD.C.5Understand area 4.G.A.3Line symmetry

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What is FreeCell solitaire

Put your logic to the test with FreeCell, a card puzzle where every move matters. All cards are laid out before you, making it a game of skill rather than luck.

How to Play

Move cards around the tableau and use the four free cells to temporarily hold cards, aiming to build up each foundation pile in suit from Ace to King. You can only place a card on a tableau column if it's one lower in rank and opposite in color.

Tips for Playing

Always prioritize releasing Aces and twos, as getting them to foundations opens up the board.
Keep your free cells empty whenever possible—they're your only safety net for tricky moves.
Try to maintain a mix of red and black cards in the tableau to ensure you have flexible options.
Before making a move, scan for sequences that could get stuck if you act too quickly.
If you get stuck, backtracking is allowed—use the undo button to explore a different path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every FreeCell deal winnable?

Nearly all deals are winnable, though a few are impossible. The game is designed so that most hands can be solved with the right strategy.

What is the purpose of the free cells?

The four free cells act as temporary holding areas where you can park a single card to free up a column or rearrange the tableau.

Can I move multiple cards at once?

Yes, you can move a sequence of cards that are in descending order and alternating colors, but the number of cards you can move depends on how many free cells and empty columns you have.

What happens when I run out of moves?

If you reach a dead end, you can use the undo button to backtrack or restart the same deal. Since the cards are fixed, you can try a new approach.

How do I build the foundation piles?

You build each foundation pile by suit, starting with an Ace and going up to King. Once a foundation is started, you can only place the next card in that suit and rank.

Is FreeCell purely a game of luck?

No, it's mostly a game of skill. Since all cards are visible, your decisions and planning determine the outcome, not luck.