Skip to content
XINHENGEST

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play FreeCell

Play FreeCell ↗

Game guide · XINHENGEST

Read before your next round of FreeCell

For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Select cards directly on the tableau and work through a full solo deal. Use another round to revisit a decision. A clear plan starts with the current position. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.

An idea for your next attempt

For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

The objective of a round

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. Before making a move, check the cards in view.

The steps to play

  1. Build down in alternating colours; four cells each hold one card. Empty columns accept any legal group.
  2. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
  3. Move exposed cards onto suit foundations in the stated rank order.
  4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Keyboard and screen controls

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Use another round to revisit a decision. Use the rule sheet as a reference.

See how the rules apply

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Notice this detail

Begin with the objective. Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Clarifying the way this game works

What is the aim?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Begin with the objective. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

How do I use the controls?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Which format is available?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. A clear plan starts with the current position. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

What should I check before a move?

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Can you give an example?

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Which controls should I use?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Which version is played here?

One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Does play involve an account or cash?

No. Play is free, without registration, deposits, bets or cash prizes. Begin with the objective. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What completes a round?

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep the active rule in mind. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)