What Is a Supermove in FreeCell?
Supermove
A shortcut in FreeCell Solitaire that lets you move multiple cards as a single action. While FreeCell technically only allows moving one card at a time, supermoves automate the process of using free cells and empty columns as intermediate steps.
The Supermove Formula
The maximum number of cards you can move at once is calculated as:
Supermove Formula
(Empty Cells + 1) × 2Empty Columns
Formula Breakdown
- Empty Cells: Count of unused free cells (0-4)
- +1: The card you're actively moving
- × 2Columns: Each empty column doubles your capacity
Supermove Quick Reference
| Empty Cells | Empty Columns | Max Cards |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | 0 | 5 |
| 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 4 | 1 | 10 |
| 4 | 2 | 20 |
| 4 | 3 | 40 |
How Supermoves Work Behind the Scenes
When you make a supermove, the game automates what would otherwise be tedious manual steps:
Example: Moving 3 Cards with 2 Empty Cells
You want to move K♠-Q♥-J♠ to another column:
- J♠ goes to Free Cell #1
- Q♥ goes to Free Cell #2
- K♠ moves to destination column
- Q♥ moves from cell to K♠
- J♠ moves from cell to Q♥
The supermove does all 5 steps as one action.
Why Empty Columns Are So Powerful
Notice how empty columns double your supermove capacity each time:
- 0 empty columns: 5 cards max (with 4 cells)
- 1 empty column: 10 cards max (doubled)
- 2 empty columns: 20 cards max (doubled again)
- 3 empty columns: 40 cards max
This exponential growth is why experienced players prioritize creating empty columns over keeping free cells empty.
Supermove Strategy Tips
- Check before moving: Count your empty spaces to know your limit
- Create columns, not cells: Empty columns provide more power
- Plan the sequence: Sometimes a smaller supermove unlocks a bigger one
- Don't waste capacity: If you can move 10 cards, think about whether you should
Practice Supermoves
Understanding supermove math is the key to winning more FreeCell games. Try it now!
Play FreeCell SolitaireRelated Terms
- Free Cells - The 4 temporary storage spaces
- Tableau - The 8 main playing columns
- Foundation - Build Ace to King to win
- FreeCell Win Rate