Hey there fellow solitaire enthusiast! If you‘ve played much FreeCell, you‘ve probably noticed it has some unique rules compared to other solitaire games. Specifically, only being able to move one card at a time can be frustrating!
But don‘t worry – in this guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about moving cards in FreeCell. You‘ll learn how to use clever sequencing to transport multiple cards together despite the single card move limit.
By the end, you‘ll be a FreeCell sequence stacking master!
Only One Card at a Time in FreeCell
Let‘s start with the basics. In FreeCell, you can only move one card per turn. This core rule is what gives FreeCell its distinctive methodical play style.
Other solitaire games like Klondike allow moving unlimited cards together in a sequence. But in FreeCell, each card must be played singly.
This slower pacing forces you to think harder about how cards fit together across the tableau. Rushing moves willy-nilly is a sure path to getting stuck! Proper planning is key…
Using Free Cells as "Card Batteries"
Luckily, the four free cells provide a handy workaround to the one card limit. You can think of them as "card batteries" for storing extra cards temporarily.
By moving cards into empty free cells one-by-one, you can stockpile a sequence. Then play the sequence out as a unit to another column in one smooth move.
It takes some setup, but using the free cells in this way unlocks far more strategic options compared to moving lone cards around aimlessly.
Let‘s walk through a quick example…
Imagine you have a descending sequence of 5 black cards in a column, like so:
King ♠️
Queen ♥
Jack ♠️
Ten ♥
Nine ♠️
And you have 3 empty free cells.
You could:
- Move the King to a free cell
- Move the Queen to a free cell
- Move the Jack to a free cell
Now all 5 cards are "stored" across the 3 free cells and 2 remaining cards in the column. Finally, you can move the whole sequence in one satisfying action to another column!
Storing sequences like this is the key to FreeCell success. Let‘s explore the technique more…
Rules for Moving Card Sequences
You can‘t just move any old cards together in FreeCell. The moved sequence must be packed in descending order and alternating color.
For example, here is a valid 5 card sequence:
King ♠️
Queen ♥
Jack ♠️
Ten ♥
Nine ♠️
The cards descend in order from King to Nine. And they alternate black (spades/clubs) to red (hearts/diamonds). This sequence could be moved as a unit after storing in free cells.
But this sequence would be invalid:
King ♠️
Queen ♠️
Jack ♥
Ten ♠️
Nine ♥
The problem is consecutive cards of the same black suit. Sequences must always alternate color to be moveable.
With practice, spotting valid sequences becomes second nature. But when starting out, double check ordering carefully before transporting cards!
Now let‘s compare FreeCell‘s rules to other solitaire games…
FreeCell is More Restrictive Than Many Solitaires
What makes FreeCell unique is cards can only be moved in properly ordered and alternating sequences. Most other solitaire games are more flexible.
For example, in Klondike you can move any number of cards together within the same suit. No need for ordering or alternating colors.
And in many games like Yukon, you can freely move sequences of any length, regardless of order or color.
FreeCell‘s stricter sequencing requirements make it more thoughtful but also trickier to master. Planning your moves with care is a must!
Key Strategies for Moving Sequences Smoothly
Alright, by this point you understand the basics of transporting card sequences using the free cells. Now let‘s get into some pro tips for making those moves effortlessly!
Clear Aces First
Opening up aces to the foundations early should be priority #1. This frees up free cells for transporting sequences.
Aces locked in columns are obstacles. Blast them off to the foundations ASAP!
Save Free Cells for Sequences
A common beginner mistake is wasting free cells on single cards that could stay put.
Remember, the free cells are like your "battery packs" for storing sequences. Don‘t burn the batteries on lone cards unless absolutely necessary.
Build Clean Alternating Sequences
Before transporting cards, ensure they form a valid alternating and descending sequence. No point trying to move illegal sequences!
Take the time to rearrange columns so the sequences are perfect before loading up the free cells.
Plan Multiple Moves Ahead
Think ahead more than just your very next move. Chart out sequences of moves, like a chess player.
Example thinking:
"If I free up the black King by moving this red Queen first, then I can transport the sequence of 5 black cards after that…"
Learn Common Patterns
Some card patterns appear often. Look for opportunities to transport sequences that match proven combinations.
With practice, you‘ll start recognizing patterns automatically. Then sequence moving becomes almost second nature!
Ok, ready to see statistics on FreeCell win rates and harder deals? Let‘s go!
What Percentage of FreeCell Deals are Winnable?
Across all possible random card layouts, approximately 99.999% of FreeCell deals are solvable!
That means just 1 in 100,000 deals are unwinnable, no matter how perfectly you play. For comparison, Klondike solitaire only has an 80% win rate. So almost every single FreeCell hand can be beat with the right moves.
This crazy high win percentage comes from the free cells providing so much flexibility. But don‘t let that fool you – winning still requires serious skill!
Now let‘s look at some of the rarest unsolvable or super difficult deals:
Deal #11982 is the most famous impossible FreeCell game, found in the original Windows 32,000 deck.
Extremely tough puzzles include deals #169, #4368, #7700, and #21278.
Deal #31945 is also notoriously challenging, with only an estimated 1 in 10,000 players able to finish it!
Memorize those numbers if you really want to test your skills against the hardest of the hard!
For perspective, this table shows the estimated win rates across major solitaire games:
| Solitaire Game | Win Rate |
|---|---|
| FreeCell | 99.999% |
| Klondike | 80% |
| TriPeaks | 70% |
| Pyramid | 50-60% |
FreeCell is in a league of its own! But victory only comes through mastery…
Becoming a FreeCell Sequence Sensei!
If you‘re struggling with moving sequences, don‘t sweat it too much. With deliberate practice, anyone can become a FreeCell master!
Follow these tips to up your skills quickly:
- Play numbered deals for set challenges. Random deals also help.
- Analyze your move choices after each game to identify improvements.
- Watch videos of top players transporting sequences smoothly.
- Start new games often to avoid sloppy play just to finish.
- Most importantly, keep at it! Experience is the ultimate teacher.
It may take time to build your FreeCell instincts. But stay calm, play thoughtfully, and victory will be yours!
Let‘s Recap Moving Sequences in FreeCell
Few key facts for a quick refresher:
You can only move one card at a time in FreeCell. This core rule forces careful play.
Use the free cells to store sequences and transport many cards together. Think of them like "card batteries".
Sequences must be packed in descending order and alternating color to be movable.
Take time to plan ahead multiple moves rather than reacting turn-by-turn.
Get those basics down and you‘ll be smoothly shuttling sequences like a pro. All that‘s left is practice!
So good luck my friend! Let me know if you have any other FreeCell questions. But for now, it‘s time to deal some cards and start transporting. I‘ll see you at the solitaire table!
