How to Play FreeCell

THE PLAYBOOK · ZOEHERO

Making your first moves in FreeCell

Use a short break to learn the rhythm of FreeCell. Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Look at what changes after your first action.

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

An idea for your next attempt

Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Refer to the controls when needed.

What you need to achieve

Build four suit foundations from ace to king. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

Follow these playing steps

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. Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Making selections and moves

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. Check any mode label before starting.

A closer look at one example

With two empty cells and no spare empty column, a group of at most three cards can move together. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Compare the situation with the worked example. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

If you are unsure