Bored of Regular Solitaire? Time to Get Addicted to FreeCell!
So you’re looking for a new way to kill some time? Standard solitaire just not cutting it anymore? You’ve maxed out your levels or something? Then it’s time to try FreeCell! What is FreeCell solitaire, you ask? It’s a fresh take on the classic card game.
This is a simple game but you’ll soon be addicted to it. This is a new journey with some key new skills for you to learn! So, you will learn the rules, how to win more often, mistakes to avoid, and so much more!
Ready to start and test your skills?
FreeCell Solitaire: The Basics
The main goal is pretty easy. You gotta get all four foundation piles built up, going from the Ace to the King. But how exactly do you do that? What is a “foundation pile”? Don’t sweat it!
Gameplay: Let’s Break It Down
At the beginning of the game, the screen will show all 52 cards face up across eight columns at the bottom. Some will be seven cards long, and the others will be six cards long. Those are called the Cascades.
At the top you will see four blank cells to your left, and four blank cells to the right. The ones to the left are called Free Cells, and the ones to the right are called Foundations. These three elements make up what you will use to win!
Aces are your top priority. Get those revealed and moved over to the Foundations, then build up each Foundation going from Two to King. Get all the Aces up there, then continue from the Two to the King. Easy right?
Moving the Cards: It’s All About Strategy
Here’s how you’ll get this done:
- To the Free Cell: You can move any single card to a free cell, as long as it’s empty.
- To an Empty Cascade: You can move a card into an open column.
- To the Foundation: You can move a card to the appropriate Foundation if it’s the next card in sequence.
- To Another Cascade: This is where things get interesting. You can move a card to another Cascade if the top card is one rank higher, and a different color.
For Example: You want to move a Seven of Hearts because there is an Ace underneath it. If there’s an Eight of Spades or Clubs somewhere, then you can move the 7 of Hearts to the Eight! Remember it must be the opposite color.
Your main focus should be freeing the aces and then using the cards above to free them, and then getting the cards to their foundations. Free Cells are best used as a last resort. If they’re full, you’re gonna have a harder time.
How’s This Different Than Regular Solitaire?
If you’re great at Solitaire, Freecell might throw you a curveball. While the objectives may be the same, there are plenty of key differences. The columns are not as they are in Solitaire, so there is little randomness. However, when moving from column to column, you will need to stick to the red/black rule.
There is also no draw deck. You can’t draw random cards. This makes skill a much more valuable and important asset. That, and the Free Cells, makes it truly unique!
Lastly, Freecell is more skill intensive. Skill and smart plays are far more important to success than relying on luck!
FreeCell Strategy: Tips for Getting Good
Sure, FreeCell is easy to learn, but hard to master!
- Survey the Map! Just like in Call of Duty or Fortnite, it’s best to start off with learning the map. Here, you need to find where the Aces are!
- Get Aces Up! You want those Aces moved to their foundations in your earliest moves!
- Foundations Can Wait! Want to move a Two to an Ace? Don’t do it if it gets in the way of something even more important! You need that red/black rule broken!
FreeCell: Key No-No’s!
Okay, you know how to be good. But here’s what to avoid!
- Don’t Clutter The Free Cells! Just move cards as you need them. Don’t move them there if you don’t need it.
- Think More Than One Step! Don’t just think a couple of turns ahead. You need to think multiple turns ahead!
- Don’t Forget Empty Spaces! Clear Columns is like a Free Cell! Use them just like that!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered!
- Can FreeCell be cheated at? Sure, but it defies the purpose! It is your skills that will lead you to victory!
- How many FreeCell deals are actually solvable? Most. Close to 100%! Skill is your friend!
- Is there a mobile version? There are many!
Now Go Play!
Okay, you’ve officially gotten the rundown on FreeCell. Now, all that’s left is for you to go and play! It doesn’t matter where, as long as you practice!
So, just go out there and do it!