BACK TO THE GAME


This article contains everything you need to know about Arkadium’s FreeCell Solitaire Game.


Use the list below to navigate specific topics about FreeCell Solitaire.



How to play


FreeCell is a classic variation of the solitaire family of card games played using a standard 52-card deck. 


Goal. Move all cards from the play area to the four foundations on the top right. Foundation piles must start with the aces of each suit and are built up in sequential order. 


NOTE: you can move cards from foundations back if you need them


Play area. Cards can be moved from one column to another as long as their colors alternate, and they are in sequential order from highest to lowest. 


EXAMPLE: a Red 5 can be moved to a Black 6



Free cells. Four free cells are located on the top left. You can place any card in a free cell. These cards can later be moved to the play area or to the foundations. Free cells are valuable for uncovering and moving cards! You can also move any card to empty columns once you free them (and then add more cards on top of them as usual).


Moving cards. You can move multiple cards together at the same time, but only if they are in sequence and only if there are enough free cells or open columns for you to move these cards one at a time.


To move N cards, you need N-1 (N if you wish to move them into a free column), total free cells, and open columns. 

    

EXAMPLE: you would need 4 empty spaces to move 5 cards


The game's structured like so:



  1. Undo. Click here to undo your last move.
  2. Hint. If you need a hint, clicking here will show you possible plays you can make. The cards will be highlighted.
  3. Timer. As soon as you start moving the cards, the timer will also start. You can play at your own pace, but you will be scored for the lowest possible time.
  4. Moves. This is the number of moves you've played so far.
  5. Menu. Click here for options such as sound, restarting the game, or a quick refresher. 




Tips


Freecell Solitaire is a popular and challenging card game that requires strategic thinking, planning, and patience. Playing the game online allows you to practice and improve your skills at your own pace. The following tips will help you enhance your Freecell Solitaire game and increase your chances of winning.


1. Plan your moves carefully:


Before making a move, take the time to analyze the tableau and consider the consequences of each potential move. Planning ahead will help you avoid making mistakes and getting stuck in difficult situations.


2. Use free cells strategically:


Free cells are a valuable resource in Freecell Solitaire, as they can temporarily hold cards and provide additional flexibility when moving cards around. However, try not to fill all free cells at once, as this can limit your options for future moves.


3. Uncover and free Aces and Twos:


Whenever possible, focus on uncovering and moving Aces and Twos to the foundation piles. These low-ranked cards are crucial for building the foundation piles and can help you create more space in the tableau.


4. Create empty columns:


An empty column is a powerful tool in Freecell Solitaire, as any card can be placed in it. Work on clearing out a column as soon as possible to provide more flexibility in your moves and make it easier to organize cards in the tableau.


5. Build sequences in alternating colors:


As you organize cards in the tableau, build sequences by alternating colors (red and black) and arranging cards in descending order. This will make it easier to move cards between columns and eventually transfer them to the foundation piles.


6. Move cards to the foundation piles strategically:


While it's important to build the foundation piles, don't rush to move cards to the foundation unless it's necessary or beneficial to your overall strategy. Sometimes, it's better to keep certain cards in the tableau to help you move other cards more easily.


7. Be cautious with Kings:


Since Kings can only be placed in empty columns, be cautious when moving them. Make sure moving a King won't block other cards or limit your options for future moves.


8. Use the "undo" feature when needed:


Online Freecell Solitaire games often have an "undo" feature that allows you to take back previous moves. Use this feature when you realize you've made a mistake or want to explore different strategies.



9. Don't hesitate to restart a game:


If you find yourself in a situation where you can't make any more moves or you believe you've made too many mistakes, don't hesitate to restart the game. Learning from your mistakes and trying again will help you improve your skills and develop better strategies.


10. Practice, practice, practice:


The more you play Freecell Solitaire, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns, planning moves, and devising winning strategies. Regular practice will help you develop a deeper understanding of the game and improve your overall performance.


By following these tips and consistently practicing your Freecell Solitaire skills, you'll be well on your way to mastering this engaging and challenging card game. Happy playing!




Scoring


General formula:


Final score = (the number of cards collected * 5) + Moves Bonus + Time Bonus + Win Bonus


Each card collected in the right place is worth 5 points.


NOTE: bonuses are awarded when the game is completed


Win Bonus = 100 points.


Moves Bonus = (150 minus (number of moves made)) * 3.


Time Bonus = 600 minus the number of seconds spent



EXAMPLE: if your game was completed in 500 seconds and 100 moves: 52*3 + (150 - 100)*3 + (600 - 500) + 100 = 610 points