Double FreeCell Solitaire

How to Play Double FreeCell — Quick Guide

Goal:
Build up each home pile by suit, from A to K — twice for each suit (A, 2, .., K, A, 2, …, K).
Moving Cards:
You can organise the columns by moving cards in descending order and alternating colors (like 5 on 6).
You can move a whole group of cards if they’re in sequence.
Max cards in a group = number of empty free cells + 1. If no cells are free, you can only move one card at a time.
Free cells:
Each free cell can hold one card. Use them to free up space and help with moves.
Empty Columns:
You can start an empty column with any card.

Setting Up the Game

Dealing Out the Tableau

Item 1
In Double FreeCell, the Tableau consists of 100 cards arranged in 10 columns. Each column has 10 cards, stacked so each card only partially covers the one above it.
Item 2
Deal out all 10 columns side-by-side at the bottom of the playing area.
Item 3
Every card in the Tableau is dealt face-up.

Cells and Foundation Piles

Step 1
Leave room above the Tableau for 6 Cells and 4 Foundation Piles, each arranged in a single row.
Step 2
Deal an Ace in each of the Foundation piles, one for each suit (so, an Ace of Hearts, Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Clubs, and an Ace of Spades).

Rules for Playing Big FreeCell Solitaire

How to Win

Your goal is to complete 4 double Foundation Piles. You win when the Tableau and Cells are empty.

Stacking Cards in the Tableau

Rule 1
Cards in the Tableau can only be placed under a card of an alternating color. A card with a red suit (Hearts or Diamonds) can only be stacked under a card with a black suit (Clubs or Spades) and vice-versa.
Rule 2
Cards can only be moved to the Tableau under a card that is one rank higher. For instance, a 10 can only be placed under a Jack.
Rule 3
Empty spaces in the Tableau can be filled with 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 available spaces in the Tableau or Cells to move each card individually.

Moving Cards In and Out of Cells

Rule 1
Any card at the bottom of a column in the Tableau can be moved to an empty Cell.
Rule 2
Cards in the Cells can be moved back to the Tableau or used to build Foundation Piles at any point in the game.
Rule 3
A card in a Cell can only be moved to the Tableau if there is a suitable place for it (an empty space or stacked below a card of a different color suit that is one rank higher).
Rule 4
Each Cell can only hold a single card. Cards cannot be stacked in the Cells.

Building Foundation Piles

Rule 1
Each Foundation Pile must have a single suit and be built from the lowest rank (Ace) to the highest (King).
Rule 2
To build a Foundation Pile, move a card from the Cells or Tableau that is one rank higher than the top card in the pile and has the same suit. For example, if the top card in the Foundation Pile is a 7 of Clubs, the next card you add will be an 8 of Clubs.
Rule 3
In Double FreeCell, each Foundation Pile already has an Ace at the start of the game. So the first card you can add is a 2 of the same suit.
Rule 4
Double FreeCell also uses double Foundation Piles, which means that you have to complete each Foundation Pile twice. When you add the first King to a Foundation Pile, the next card you add will be an Ace, followed by a 2, and so forth.
Rule 5
A double Foundation Pile is complete when two of every card from the same suit have been stacked in it (in order from Ace to King, then from Ace to King again).

Other Rules

Rule 1
Cards cannot be moved out of the Foundation Piles.

Playing Double FreeCell Solitaire – The Layout

1.The Tableau
Stack all the cards face-up, forming 10 columns with 10 cards each.
2.The Cells
Leave 6 empty spaces above the Tableau — these are the Cells.
3.The Foundation Piles
Start 4 Foundation Piles by dealing 4 Aces, one for each suit.

The Gameplay

1.Stack Cards in Alternating Suits
Cards in the Tableau can only be placed under cards of a different color.
2.Stack by Rank
Cards in the Tableau can only be stacked under cards that are one rank higher.
3.Store Cards in the Cells
Move cards into empty Cells at any point in the game — and move them back to the Tableau as needed.
4.Build Double Foundation Piles
Build up each Foundation Pile in order of rank (Ace to King) — then build them up one more time. You win when all double Foundation Piles are complete!

Strategies for Double FreeCell Solitaire

Double FreeCell gives you a few advantages — an Ace in each Foundation pile and 6 empty Cells. But with double the cards in play, it can still be very challenging to complete those Foundation Piles!

There’s a small element of luck to Double FreeCell Solitaire, but winning is all about strategy. Here are some tips to help you play with skill:

Scan the Tableau for 2’s
You need 2’s to start building those Foundation Piles, so start by locating them. Find the ones that are lowest in the Tableau and work your way to them first.
Look for Doubles Before Making Your Move
There are 2 of every card in your Tableau (except for Aces). So before moving cards to get the 9 of Hearts, locate the other 9 of Hearts - it might be easier to access.
Use Your Cells Sparingly
You’re playing with twice as many cards, but you don’t have twice as many Cells. Those Cells can fill up quickly if you’re not careful. Use them only when necessary to avoid getting stuck.

Similar Games to Double FreeCell Solitaire

Keep the fun going with these other great games:

Game 1
FreeCell Solitaire — The classic version of the game!
Game 2
Big FreeCell — Twice the cards, twice the Cells, twice the Foundation Piles!
Game 3
Pyramid Solitaire (Pharaohs) — Pyramid Solitaire with three pyramids instead of one!

More Power to You!

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