THE PLAYBOOK · HEY172
FreeCell: what to know before playing
Make FreeCell your next activity in the game library. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Look at what changes after your first action. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
One thing to notice as you play
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Make the next step deliberately.
Aim for this result
Build four suit foundations from ace to king. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.
The steps to 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.
Your inputs
Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use one clear input at a time.
Follow the example
With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Notice the change in the playing area.
Notice this detail
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Further help with the game
Before I begin, what is the goal of FreeCell?
Build four suit foundations from ace to king.
On this playing page, how do I control FreeCell?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown.
For my first round, what example helps explain FreeCell?
Keep this in mind: With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together.
While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in FreeCell?
For clarity: Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy.
When I return, what format does FreeCell offer?
Keep this in mind: One face-up deck. Transfer capacity counts available cells and spare empty columns. Free solo play, no wagering.
Which play mode does FreeCell use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.