What is FreeCell Solitaire?
FreeCell Solitaire is an open-information solitaire game where all 52 cards are visible from the start. The challenge comes from planning, not guessing. You use four free cells as temporary storage while moving cards into descending alternating-color sequences and building four foundations from Ace to King.
Because every card is visible, FreeCell rewards careful sequencing. Many deals are solvable, but careless use of the free cells can lock the board quickly. A free cell is powerful only when you can also free it again.
FreeCell setup and rules
The deck is dealt face up into eight tableau columns. Four free cells sit above the tableau, and four foundations build upward by suit. You can move one card at a time, but available free cells and empty columns let you move longer sequences in practice.
- Build tableau cards downward in alternating colors.
- Use free cells to temporarily hold single cards.
- Move Aces to foundations, then build upward by suit.
- Empty tableau columns increase your movement options.
- Win by moving all cards to the foundations.
FreeCell vs Klondike Solitaire
Klondike Solitaire hides many cards at the start, so stock order and card reveal timing matter. FreeCell shows every card immediately. That makes FreeCell feel more like a pure planning puzzle, while Klondike mixes planning with uncertainty.
If you like analyzing the whole board before moving, FreeCell may fit you. If you prefer the familiar stock, waste, tableau, and foundation rhythm, use the how to play Solitaire guide and start with Klondike on vSolitaire.