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Object of the Game

The object of the game is to build the "foundations" (the four spaces at the top right of the game board) up for each suit in ascending value starting with Ace, Two, Three, etc. and ending with King. When all four foundations are built in ascending order for each suit, the game is won.

It should be noted that if the "animation" checkbox is checked, the cards will automatically move to the foundations once there is no way to lose the game.

To start the game, move a card in the tableau (the array of cards in the middle of the game board). In the tableau, each column of cards may be built downward in descending rank, and the sequence of cards must be of alternating color (i.e. red, black, red, etc.). The bottom card of any tableau may be moved to a free cell or foundation if it's the next card in sequence. The 4 Free Cells at the top left of the game board serve as temporary storage and each cell stores 1 card at a time.

Groups of cards may be moved as a group provided the cards are in descending rank, alternating color order, and that there is enough temporary storage to move the group of cards as though they were being moved one card at a time. Therefore the maximum number of cards that may be moved at one time is equal to the [number of empty free cells + 1] (assuming no tableau columns are empty), or equal to the [number of empty free cells + 1] + 2 x [number of empty tableau columns]

Scoring

The FreeCell scoring system awards 5 points for moving a card from the FreeCells to the tableau. 10 points are awarded for moving a card from the tableau to the foundations, and 15 points are lost if the player moves a card from the foundations to the tableau. Note that due to the scoring system, winning scores will vary from game to game.

Game Play

During the game, if there is an opportunity to move a card from the tableau to the foundations or from the free cells to the foundations, the player may double click the card and, if it is a valid move, the card will move to the correct foundation. This can be a real time saver when playing the game!

Hints

Hints may be turned on by checking the "Hints" checkbox. If hints are turned on, you will see possible moves outlined with a yellow border. These are the cards to consider moving.

Sound

Sound may be turned off by unchecking the "Sound" checkbox. Likewise, the sound may be turned back on by clicking the "Sound" checkbox again.

Related Games

FreeCell is very closely related to Eight Off Solitaire

Posting a Score

Players may post their winning time and score after the game has been won. To post a winning time, you must be logged in prior to starting the game. If your time is in the top 10 for the day, you will see it immediately. If your time is not in the top 10, you may see it on the EverydayGames Global Online Live Scoring page.

Note: You must post your score before you click 'New Game'.