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How to Play Big FreeCell Solitaire

Quick Guide

  • Deck:

    Big FreeCell Solitaire is played with 2 standard decks of 52 cards (for a total of 104 cards).

  • Deal Out:

    Deal 10 columns, stacking the cards face-up. The first 4 columns have 11 cards and the rest have 10.

  • Cells and Foundation Piles:

    Leave room above the Tableau for 8 Cells (arranged in two rows) and 8 Foundation Piles (in two rows).

  • Objective:

    Build 8 Foundation Piles in ascending order from Ace to King.

  • The Challenge:

    Locate the Aces and build your Foundation Piles while managing twice as many cards.

  • Difficulty Level:

    Big FreeCell is an easy version of the game. It’s a great option if you want longer and more relaxed gameplay.

Setting Up the Game

Dealing Out the Tableau

  • Item 1

    In Big FreeCell, the Tableau consists of 104 cards arranged in 10 columns.

  • Item 2

    The first 4 columns have 11 cards each, stacked so each card partially covers the one above it.

  • Item 3

    The remaining 6 columns have 10 cards each, stacked in the same manner.

  • Item 4

    Deal out all 10 columns side-by-side at the bottom of the playing area.

  • Item 5

    Every card in the Tableau is dealt face-up.

Cells and Foundation Piles

  • Step 1

    Leave room above the Tableau for 8 Cells and 8 Foundation Piles.

  • Step 2

    LThe 8 Cells should be arranged in 2 rows on the left side.

  • Step 3

    The 8 Foundation Piles should be arranged in 2 rows on the right side

Rules for Playing Base Pyramid Solitaire

How to Win

Your goal is to complete 8 Foundation Piles. You win when the Tableau and Cells are empty and every card has been moved into Foundation Piles.

Stacking Cards in the Tableau

  • Rule 1

    Cards in the Tableau can only be stacked in suits of alternating colors. A card with a red suit (Hearts or Diamonds) can only be placed underneath a card with a black suit (Clubs or Spades) and vice-versa.

  • Rule 2

    Cards can only be placed under cards that are one rank higher. For instance, a 6 can only be stacked under a 7.

  • Rule 3

    Empty spaces in the Tableau can be filled by any card, regardless of rank or suit.

  • Rule 4

    You can only move one card at a time. Stacks of cards cannot be moved together unless there are enough free spaces in the Tableau or the Cells to move each card individually.

Moving Cards In and Out of Cells

  • Rule 1

    Any card at the bottom of a stack in the Tableau can be moved to an empty Cell.

  • Rule 2

    Cards in the Cells can be moved back into the Tableau or used to build Foundation Piles.

  • Rule 3

    A card can only be moved from a Cell to the Tableau if it can either be placed in an empty space in the Tableau or stacked under a card that is one rank higher and has a different color suit.

  • Rule 4

    You cannot stack cards in the Cells. Each Cell can only hold a single card.

Building Foundation Piles

  • Rule 1

    Each Foundation Pile must have a single suit and be built from lowest rank to highest (Ace to King).

  • Rule 2

    Only an Ace can be moved to an empty Foundation Pile.

  • Rule 3

    You can only move a card to a Foundation Pile if it has the same suit and is one rank higher than the card at the top of the pile. For example, if the card at the top of the Foundation Pile is a 10 of Hearts, then only a Jack of Hearts can be moved to the pile.

  • Rule 4

    A Foundation Pile is complete once all 13 cards of the same suit have been moved to it in the following order: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King.

Other Rules

  • Rule 1

    Cards cannot be moved out of the Foundation Piles.

Playing Big FreeCell Solitaire – The Layout

  • 1.The Tableau

    Stack all the cards face-up, forming 10 columns.

    The Tableau
  • 2.The Cells

    Leave 8 spaces above the Tableau — these are the Cells.

    The Cells
  • 3.The Foundation Piles

    Leave another 8 spaces next to the Cells — this is where you will build your Foundation Piles.

    The Foundation Piles

The Gameplay

  • 1.Stack Cards in Alternating Suits

    Cards in the Tableau can only be placed under cards with a suit of a different color.

    Stack Cards in Alternating Suits
  • 2.Stack by Rank

    Cards in the Tableau can only be stacked under cards that are one rank higher.

    Stack by Rank
  • 3.Store Cards in the Cells

    Move cards into the Cells when you need to make room in the Tableau — and move them back out when you’re ready to use them.

    Store Cards in the Cells
  • 4.Build Your Foundation Piles

    Locate the Aces to start your Foundation Piles, then add cards of the same suit in order of rank (from Ace to King). You win when all Foundation Piles are complete!

    Build Your Foundation Piles

Strategies for Big FreeCell Solitaire

Having 8 Cells and 10 columns to work with makes Big FreeCell easier than the original version of the game. Almost every game will be winnable, but whether you actually win depends on your skill level.

Use these tips to sharpen your gameplay:

  • Don’t Crowd the Cells

    Don’t fill all the Cells unless you need to. Empty Cells give you more options for moving cards around the Tableau and will keep you from getting stuck.

  • Locate the Aces

    Starting your Foundation Piles will help you clear cards from the Tableau and bring you one step closer to victory. So, locate the Aces in the Tableau and try to uncover them.

  • Empty Columns Give You More Options

    An empty column in your Tableau is like having an extra Cell — you can move any card to it regardless of its suit or rank. If you have the opportunity to clear a column, take it!

Similar Games to Big FreeCell Solitaire

Looking for even more ways to have fun? Try these out:

  • Game 1

    FreeCell Solitaire — The classic version of the game!

  • Game 2

    FreeCell Double — Play with two decks but only four Foundation Piles!

  • Game 3

    Spider Solitaire — Another Solitaire variant that requires more skill than luck!

More Power to You!

We understand that playing Solitaire is not just about the game — it’s about the experience. Our platform is built to bring players to the heart of Solitaire. Your triumphs, challenges, and overall play experience drive our purpose. Let’s win together!

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