How to Win at FreeCell: The Ultimate Guide | Arkadium (2024)

FreeCell Solitaire is one of the most popular online games today. Even though it’s become a classic since being released as part of Windows 95, the game has maintained a loyal and engaged fandom. It has attracted new enthusiasts who want to try their hand at beating this challenging game.

But to have the best chance of success, you need a reliable FreeCell strategy to approach different situations consistently. An excellent Free Cell Solitairestrategy will allow you to utilize the unique rules of the game to your advantage, opening up new opportunities and improving your skill level.

With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about FreeCell strategy and tips to consider. If you want to figure out how to win FreeCell consistently, you’ll want to start taking notes. But first, let’s clearly define what FreeCell Solitaire is so that you better understand its rules.

What is FreeCell Solitaire?

FreeCell Solitaire is a variation of the original Klondike Solitaire. While the original Solitaire was invented back in the late 19th century, FreeCell was introduced by Paul Alfille in 1978 and was digitized as part of the Windows 95 launch. While the goal remains the same in both, requiring you to move all the cards to their separate foundation piles, the FreeCell version is distinct because it almost completely depends on the FreeCell strategy used. It also doesn’t require nearly as much luck as Klondike.

So, can every game of FreeCell be won?

It’s important to note that FreeCell is a type of “open” Solitaire, which means that you get to see all the cards face up at the start of the game, which is crucial for making the right decisions and planning the Free Cell strategy you’re going to use. If you take your time figuring out the best FreeCell Solitaire strategy to apply to each game, you will eventually discover how to win at FreeCell continuously.

In fact, since the answer to the question, “can all FreeCell games be won?” is yes, that can explain the reason why this version of Solitaire is growing increasingly popular. Instead of relying on luck, players can showcase their skills by planning and utilizing effective FreeCell tips and strategies.

How to Win at FreeCell Solitaire: The Best Gaming Tips

Figuring out the right Freecell strategy is something that experienced players know how to do almost intuitively. But for beginners, it may be unclear where to start and what to focus on when crafting an approach that increases the likelihood of victory.

To help you improve your game and your chances of winning consistently, here are five helpful tips you should utilize:

  • Understand the Rules. The only way to become really good at playing FreeCell Solitaire is to gain a deep understanding of the rules. By knowing the game’s goals and the tools you are permitted to use, it will be easier to spot different opportunities as they arise.
  • Carefully Examine the Tableau. Perhaps the biggest differentiating factor between beginners and more advanced players is the ability to evaluate the tableau. You should carefully evaluate the situation before every move, especially in the beginning when you aren’t yet familiarized with the cards.
  • Keep Free Cells Empty. As the name of the game implies, the cells are an integral part of any effective FreeCell strategy. They allow you to move big sequences of cards in a single move, which can help get you much closer to winning. Keeping the free cells free for as long as possible will give you the flexibility of utilizing them once you have a large sequence ready. Otherwise, you will miss the opportunity, which might even cost you the game.
  • Look for Aces and Deuces. Forming big sequences of cards is one of the most important parts of a FreeCell strategy. So naturally, you should prioritize getting to these cards at all costs and moving them to the foundation spots where you can build on them.
  • Don’t Hesitate to Go Back on Your Move. If you realize you’ve made a mistake, it’s completely fine to use the back button and rethink your move. In FreeCell Solitaire, even a single mistake can make it difficult to recover, so reconsider moves you’re unsure of and think about what you could do instead.

Become a FreeCell Master with Arkadium

FreeCell Solitaire can be one of the most engaging games once you become familiar with its rules. With the FreeCell strategy tips listed above, you will be in an excellent position to have a shot at winning the game most of the time.

If you want to try your hand at FreeCell Solitaire, Arkadium offers an engaging, free FreeCell Solitaire gameand well as a variety of solitaire games for you to enjoy, along with additional tips and tricks to help you win. Try it right now!

How to Win at FreeCell: The Ultimate Guide | Arkadium (2024)

FAQs

How to Win at FreeCell: The Ultimate Guide | Arkadium? ›

Try to keep as many free cells empty as possible.

Once all free cells are filled, you have almost no space to maneuver. And your ability to maneuver is the key to this game. Make sure you have no alternative before placing any cards in the free cells.

What is the secret to winning FreeCell? ›

Try to keep as many free cells empty as possible.

Once all free cells are filled, you have almost no space to maneuver. And your ability to maneuver is the key to this game. Make sure you have no alternative before placing any cards in the free cells.

Is there a solution to every FreeCell game? ›

The game is won after all cards are moved to their foundation piles. It is estimated that 99.999% of possible deals are solvable.

What are the unbeatable FreeCell game numbers? ›

As a reference tool the following game numbers are not winnable: - #11982, #146692, #186216, #455889, #495505, #512118, #517776, and #781948. Below is an image of each of these games when dealt. You can use this to check and see if the random game you started playing is one of these impossible deals.

How to get a high score in FreeCell? ›

FreeCell Strategy: How to Win at FreeCell Solitaire
  1. Determine Your Goals. ...
  2. Analyze Your Tableau Carefully. ...
  3. Move the Aces. ...
  4. Try Keeping the Free Cells Empty. ...
  5. Create an Empty Tableau Column as Early as You Can. ...
  6. Moved Packed Cards into the Tableau. ...
  7. Undo and Mix Well. ...
  8. Be Patient and Practice Safety First.
Aug 17, 2021

What is the average number of moves to solve FreeCell? ›

One of the big problems is that freecell games are not at all randomly assorted, and so pencil and paper solutions aren't around. But lots of people have (surprisingly) cared about these questions, and so these results are all upper bounds. In short, about 45 moves is the average minimum.

What is the FreeCell solver algorithm? ›

Most basic Freecell solver algorithm involves the use of Depth First Search involving atomic moves (moving one card at a time). The application of DFS in terms of Freecell is repeating legal move in sequence.

Are there impossible deals in FreeCell? ›

What is the Numbered Deal game mode?
  • Easier Deals: 164, 7058, 15196, 27853, and 31316.
  • Difficult Deals: 169, 4368, 7700, 21278, and 31945.
  • Very Difficult Deals: 454, 661, 718, 1941, and 6182.
  • Unsolvable: 11982, 146692, 186216, 455889, 495505, 512118, 517776 and 781948.

Does playing FreeCell help your brain? ›

Engaging our brain's memory capabilities regularly is important for maintaining healthy cognitive functioning. Card games like Freecell – as well as other card games, board games, and brainteasers – are a great way to test your memory and keep your brain active.

What is the hardest FreeCell game? ›

Reportedly, only game 11982 is unsolvable. The rest are solvable. Some deals are more difficult than others, but if you try hard enough you can win (except for game number 11982). People with good convergent or problem solving skills may find FreeCell too easy and not much fun.

Is FreeCell harder than Solitaire? ›

FreeCell Solitaire is considered one of the hardest types of solitaire. The goal of this game is to get all the cards from all four suits (Hearts, Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs) onto your foundation piles, where each can hold only one suit.

What is the success rate of FreeCell? ›

On average, around 80% of every Solitaire game is winnable.

FreeCell is the variant with the best odds, as around 99% of all games are winnable, for instance.

What is the average time to solve FreeCell? ›

Updated:
Single-PlayerPolledAverage
Main Story31h 52m
Completionist26h
All PlayStyles53h 31m

What is a good average in FreeCell? ›

Looking at the rankings, it seems that somewhere around 40 moves and 140 card moves is typical. So 13 moves and 65 card moves is definitely much below average.

Are there any unbeatable FreeCell games? ›

Microsoft has later released a new version of Freecell, which features 1 million games instead of 32.000 games. Those exact same deals have been incorporated into the Freecell games of Goodsol and MobilityWare and come to show that 8 games out of the 1 million games are unsolvable, which gives a win rate of 99.9992%.

What is the easiest numbered deal in FreeCell? ›

The deals are organized by their level of difficulty.
  • Easier Deals: 164, 7058, 15196, 27853, and 31316.
  • Difficult Deals: 169, 4368, 7700, 21278, and 31945.
  • Very Difficult Deals: 454, 661, 718, 1941, and 6182.
  • Unsolvable: 11982, 146692, 186216, 455889, 495505, 512118, 517776 and 781948.

How can I play FreeCell better? ›

How to Win at FreeCell Solitaire: The Best Gaming Tips
  1. Understand the Rules. The only way to become really good at playing FreeCell Solitaire is to gain a deep understanding of the rules. ...
  2. Carefully Examine the Tableau. ...
  3. Keep Free Cells Empty. ...
  4. Look for Aces and Deuces. ...
  5. Don't Hesitate to Go Back on Your Move.
Aug 15, 2022

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5872

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.