What is the difference between FreeCell and Baker's Game?
Short Answer
FreeCell builds tableau columns down in alternating colors. Baker's Game builds tableau columns down in the same suit. Everything else feels familiar, but that one rule reduces flexibility and makes Baker's Game more punishing.
Rules Comparison
| Rule | FreeCell | Baker's Game |
|---|---|---|
| Tableau building | Down, alternating colors | Down, same suit |
| Cards visible | All cards face up | All cards face up |
| Free cells | 4 | 4 |
| Foundations | 4 (one per suit) | 4 (one per suit) |
Why Baker's Game Usually Feels Harder
- Fewer safe rebuilds: In FreeCell, two colors often give you two ways to continue a descending chain. In Baker's Game you have one suit path.
- More blocked progress: If a needed suit card is buried, an entire lane can stall until you spend free cells to unearth it.
- Higher cost mistakes: A small mis-order in Baker's Game can require more backtracking, because there are fewer legal places to temporarily park cards.
Which One Should You Play?
- Want a high win rate and pure skill? Start with FreeCell.
- Want the FreeCell layout but stricter planning? Play Baker's Game.
- Learning supermoves? FreeCell is the smoother on-ramp.