About FreeCell
FreeCell is one of the most popular solitaire games in the world because it rewards skill over luck: with no hidden cards, nearly every deal can be solved.
Our version uses tap-to-move controls: tap a card or a run of cards and it jumps to the best legal place.
FreeCell at a glance
| Genre | Card game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Tap |
| Typical game length | 5 to 15 minutes |
| Lives | None |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play FreeCell
- Tap a card. It moves to a foundation, a column or a free cell.
- Build down in alternating colors. Red on black, black on red.
- Use free cells wisely. Each holds a single card.
- Fill the foundations. Ace to King by suit.
Rules
- The number of cards you can move at once depends on your empty free cells and columns.
- Unlimited undo.
Levels and difficulty
One deal per game; the daily challenge deal is the same for everyone.
Scoring
10 points for each card sent to a foundation plus a time bonus for solving. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for FreeCell
- Free Aces and 2s early.
- Keep free cells empty for as long as possible.
- An empty column is worth more than a free cell.
- Plan several moves ahead before filling the last cell.
History of the game
FreeCell was popularized by Paul Alfille's 1978 computer version and became famous when Microsoft included it with Windows.
How we built and tested FreeCell
We tested the tap-to-move logic and the run-size limit, which depends on empty cells and columns, against the standard FreeCell rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can every FreeCell deal be won?
Almost all can. Only a tiny number of deals are known to be unsolvable.
How many cards can I move at once?
One more than your empty free cells, doubled for each empty column.