FreeCell Solitaire Rules

FreeCell Solitaire follows a clear set of rules that make the game accessible for beginners while providing deep strategic challenges for experienced players. Unlike other solitaire variants, all cards are visible from the start.

Game Setup

• All 52 cards are dealt face-up into 8 tableau columns
• Columns 1-4 receive 7 cards each
• Columns 5-8 receive 6 cards each
• Four free cells start empty (top-left)
• Four foundation piles start empty (top-right)

Tableau Rules

• Build down by alternating colors (red on black, black on red)
• Only the top card of each column can be moved
• Any card can fill an empty tableau column (not just Kings)
• Sequences can be moved if enough free cells/columns are available

Free Cell Rules

• Each free cell can hold exactly one card
• Any single card can be moved to an empty free cell
• Cards in free cells can be moved back to tableau or foundation
• Free cells are temporary storage — keep them empty when possible

Foundation Rules

• Build up by suit from Ace to King
• Each foundation is dedicated to one suit
• Cards on foundations are generally permanent (some versions allow retrieval)
• Game is won when all 52 cards are on the foundations

The Supermove Formula

FreeCell allows moving multiple cards at once using the supermove formula:

Maximum cards = (1 + empty free cells) × 2^(empty columns)

• 0 free cells, 0 empty columns: Move 1 card
• 2 free cells, 0 empty columns: Move 3 cards
• 4 free cells, 0 empty columns: Move 5 cards
• 4 free cells, 1 empty column: Move 10 cards

Key Differences from Klondike

• No stock pile or draw pile in FreeCell
• All cards visible from the start
• Any card can fill empty columns (not just Kings)
• Nearly every game is winnable (99.999%)