Deck:
FreeCell Challenge is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.
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How to Play FreeCell Challenge Solitaire
Quick Guide
Deal Out:
Deal out 4 columns of 7 cards, starting each column with an Ace. Then, deal 4 columns of 6 cards, starting each column with a 2. Every card is dealt face-up and stacked so it partially covers the card above it.
Cells and Foundation Piles:
Leave space above the Tableau for 4 Cells and 4 Foundation Piles, arranged in a single row.
Objective:
Complete the Foundation Piles in ascending order (Ace to King).
The Challenge:
The cards you need to start your Foundation Piles are at the very top of the Tableau — getting to them will take some patience!
Difficulty Level:
FreeCell Challenge is a much tougher variant of FreeCell. It’s a great option if you’re in the mood to flex your Solitaire skills.
Setting Up the Game
Dealing Out the Tableau
Item 1
Start by dealing out all the Aces in a row, then all the 2’s in a row next to them.
Item 2
Stack 6 cards under each of the Aces, with each card partially covering the one above it.
Item 3
Then stack 5 cards under each of the 2’s, with each card partially covering the one above it.
Item 4
If dealt properly, you will have 8 columns arranged side-by-side. The Aces and 2’s should be lined up at the very top of the Tableau.
Item 5
Every card in the Tableau is dealt face-up.
Cells and Foundation Piles
Step 1
Leave room above the Tableau for 4 Cells and 4 Foundation Piles, arranged in a single row.
Rules for Playing FreeCell Challenge Solitaire
How to Win
Your goal is to complete all 4 Foundation Piles. You win when every card has been moved out of the Cells and Tableau.
Stacking Cards in the Tableau
Rule 1
Cards in the Tableau can only be stacked in alternating colors. Red cards (Diamonds or Hearts) can only be placed under black cards (Spades or Clubs) and vice-versa.
Rule 2
A card can only be stacked below a card that is one rank higher. For example, a 7 can only be placed under an 8.
Rule 3
Empty spaces in the Tableau can be filled by any card.
Rule 4
Stacked cards cannot be moved together unless there is enough room in the Tableau to move each card individually.
Moving Cards In and Out of Cells
Rule 1
Any playable card in the Tableau can be moved to an empty Cell.
Rule 2
Cards can be moved out of Cells at any point in the game, so long as there is a suitable place for the card in the Tableau or on a Foundation Pile.
Rule 3
Each Cell can only hold a single card. Cards cannot be stacked in Cells.
Building Foundation Piles
Rule 1
To start a Foundation Pile, move an Ace to an empty Foundation Pile.
Rule 2
To build a Foundation Pile, add a card that is the same suit and one rank higher than the one at the top of the pile.
Rule 3
For example, if the top card on the pile is the Ace of Clubs, you can only place the 2 of Clubs on it.
Rule 4
You can build Foundation Piles using cards from the Tableau or the Cells.
Rule 5
A Foundation Pile is complete when it contains all 13 cards of a single suit 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 FreeCell Challenge Solitaire – The Layout
1.Deal the Aces and 2’s
Deal 4 Aces side-by-side in a single row, then deal all the 2’s in a row next to the Aces.
2.The Tableau
Stack 6 more cards under each of the Aces and 5 more cards under each of the 2’s, all face-up and slightly overlapping.
3.The Cells
Leave 4 spaces above the left side of the Tableau for the Cells.
4.The Foundation Piles
Leave 4 spaces above the right side of the Tableau for the Foundation Piles.
The Gameplay
1.Stack Cards in Alternating Colors
Cards in the Tableau can only be stacked under cards with a different color suit.
2.Sort by Rank
Cards in the Tableau can only be placed under cards that are one rank higher.
3.Store Cards in the Cells
Move cards in and out of the Cells as needed.
4.Use Empty Spaces in the Tableau
Empty spaces in the Tableau can be filled by any card.
5.Build Your Foundation Piles
Build each Foundation Pile in ascending order (from Ace to King). You win when all the Foundation Piles are complete!
Strategies for FreeCell Challenge Solitaire
It’s impossible to get a lucky break when playing FreeCell Challenge. No matter how the cards are dealt, the Aces and 2’s will always be buried deep in the Tableau.
FreeCell Challenge plays for keeps, but you can improve your chances of winning with the right approach:
Pick an Ace to Target
To win at FreeCell Challenge, you’ll need to play strategically. Before making your first move, look closely at the first four columns and figure out which Ace will be easiest to get.
Take Your Time
Be patient and plan your moves carefully. It only takes one or two hasty moves to ruin your chances of winning.
Use Your Cells Carefully
Before moving a card to a Cell, see if you can move it somewhere else in the Tableau instead. It’s almost impossible to avoid filling up your Cells in FreeCell Challenge, but filling them too quickly is a surefire way to lose.
Similar Games to FreeCell Challenge Solitaire
Looking for more ways to have fun? Try these other great games:
Game 1
Pyramid Solitaire (Triangle) — An upside-down pyramid makes this version extremely difficult to beat!
Game 2
ForeCell — Another challenging FreeCell variant!
Game 3
Triple Klondike (Turn 3) — The classic game with three times as many cards!
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