How to play FreeCell

All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight columns. The goal is to move every card to the four foundations at the top right, one pile per suit, from the ace up to the king.

In the columns, build down in alternating colors: a black 9 goes on a red 10. The four free cells at the top left each hold any one card while you dig out the card you need. An empty column can take any card.

Officially you move one card at a time, but the game moves a run for you when there’s room to do it one card at a time through the free cells and empty columns. With all four cells free you can move a run of five; every empty column doubles that.

Controls

Tap or click a card to send it to the best place: a foundation, then a column it builds on, then an empty column, then a free cell. Or drag it where you want. Undo takes back moves, Hint lights up a move and Restart deals the same cards again. When the rest is only lifting cards up, Finish does it for you. On a keyboard, Z undoes and H shows a hint.

The daily deal

The Daily deal is the same for everyone on a given date. Nearly every FreeCell deal can be won, so it comes down to planning. Win on consecutive days to keep a streak, and share your time and moves.

Tips

Free the aces and twos early. Use the free cells sparingly: every card parked there makes the next long move shorter. An empty column is worth more than an empty cell, so try to clear a short column before you fill the cells. Before you move, look at where the next few low cards are buried.

Is my game saved? Yes, on this device: your game in progress, wins and best times.

Also try Klondike Solitaire and Spider Solitaire.