What Are Free Cells in FreeCell Solitaire?
Free Cells
The four temporary holding spaces in FreeCell Solitaire, located in the top-left corner. Each free cell can hold exactly one card of any rank or suit. The game is named after these cells.
Free Cell Rules
- Capacity: Each free cell holds exactly one card
- No restrictions: Any single card can be placed in an empty free cell
- Always accessible: Cards in free cells can be moved at any time
- Location: Top-left corner of the board (4 spaces)
Example
You need to move a 7♥ to reach the 6♠ beneath it, but there's nowhere to put the 7♥ in the tableau. Move the 7♥ to an empty free cell, access the 6♠, then move the 7♥ back later.
Strategic Importance
Free cells are the key to FreeCell's high win rate. They provide:
- Maneuverability: Temporarily store blocking cards
- Supermove power: More empty cells = more cards moved at once
- Recovery options: Undo mistakes by reshuffling card positions
Free Cell Strategy Tips
- Keep cells empty: Filling all 4 cells severely limits your moves
- Empty columns are better: An empty tableau column is more powerful than a free cell
- Plan before filling: Ask "How will I empty this cell later?"
- Use for low cards: Aces and 2s in cells can often go directly to foundations
How Free Cells Affect Supermoves
The number of cards you can move at once depends directly on empty free cells:
| Empty Cells | Empty Columns | Cards Movable |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | 0 | 5 |
| 4 | 1 | 10 |
| 4 | 2 | 20 |
Master Free Cell Strategy
Put your knowledge to practice. Keep those cells empty and win more games!
Play FreeCell SolitaireRelated Terms
- Supermove - Moving multiple cards using free cells
- Foundation - Where you build Ace to King
- Tableau - The main playing columns
- FreeCell Family Guide