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How to Play ForeCell FreeCell Solitaire

Quick Guide

  • Deck:

    ForeCell is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.

  • Deal Out:

    Deal 8 columns with 6 cards each, stacked face-up with cards partially overlapping.

  • Cells and Foundation Piles:

    Leave room above the Tableau for 4 Cells and 4 Foundation Piles. Place a single face-up card in each of the Cells.

  • Objective:

    Build 4 Foundation Piles in ascending order from Ace to King.

  • The Challenge:

    Starting the game with all 4 Cells occupied forces you to play very strategically!

  • Difficulty Level:

    ForeCell requires a bit more strategy than FreeCell, but with a bit of skill you’ll be able to win most games.

Setting Up the Game

Dealing Out the Tableau

  • Item 1

    In ForeCell, the Tableau consists of 8 columns with 6 cards each, with each card partially covering the one above it.

  • Item 2

    Deal out the 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 4 Cells and 4 Foundation Piles, each arranged in a single row.

  • Step 2

    After dealing out the Tableau, place the 4 remaining cards face-up in the Cells.

Rules for Playing ForeCell Solitaire

How to Win

Your goal is to complete the Foundation Piles. You win when all four Kings have been moved to the top of the Foundation Piles.

Stacking Cards in the Tableau

  • Rule 1

    When moving a card to the Tableau, you can only place it under a card of a different color. In other words, a red card (Hearts or Diamonds) can only be placed under a black card (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 example, a 6 can only be placed under a 7.

  • Rule 3

    An empty space in the Tableau can only be filled by a King.

  • 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 of the cards individually.

Moving Cards In and Out of Cells

  • Rule 1

    Any card at the bottom of a column can be moved to an empty Cell.

  • Rule 2

    Cards can be moved from a Cell to the Tableau or a Foundation pile at any point in the game.

  • Rule 3

    Cards in the Cells can only be moved to the Tableau if there is a suitable place for them. Kings can be moved to empty spaces in the Tableau - any other card must be stacked under a card that is one rank higher and has a different color suit.

  • Rule 4

    Cards cannot be stacked in the Cells. Each Cell can only hold a single card.

Building Foundation Piles

  • Rule 1

    Each Foundation Pile has a single suit and must be stacked in ascending order from Ace to King.

  • Rule 2

    To start a Foundation Pile, move an Ace from a Cell or the Tableau to an empty Foundation Pile.

  • Rule 3

    To build your Foundation Piles, move a card from a Cell or the Tableau that is one rank higher than the top card in the pile. Every card in a Foundation Pile must have the same suit. For instance, if the top card in a Foundation Pile is the 3 of Diamonds, you can only add the 4 of Diamonds to it.

  • Rule 4

    A Foundation Pile is complete when it contains all 13 cards in a single suit, stacked 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 ForeCell Solitaire – The Layout

  • 1.The Tableau

    Deal 8 columns of 6 cards, arranged side-by-side.

    The Tableau
  • 2.The Cells

    Fill the 4 Cells with the remaining cards.

    The Cells
  • 3.The Foundation Piles

    Leave 4 spaces for your Foundation Piles.

    The Foundation Piles

The Gameplay

  • 1.Stack Cards in Alternating Suits

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

    Stack by Rank
  • 3.Store Cards in the Cells

    Move cards out of the Cell to free them up — and move cards from the Tableau to the Cells when needed.

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

    Start each Foundation Pile with an Ace, then build them up one card at a time. You win when all Foundation Piles are complete!

    Build Your Foundation Piles

Strategies for ForeCell Solitaire

ForeCell has the same basic layout as FreeCell, except all the Cells are full at the start of the game. That makes it more challenging - and so does the fact that you can only move Kings to the empty spaces in your Tableau.

Those don’t sound like big changes. But once you start playing, you’ll realize how much tougher the game is because of them!

ForeCell is a tricky game. But you can master it with the right strategy:

  • Clear the Cells ASAP

    Emptying a Cell will unlock more moves. So look for opportunities to move cards out of the Cells, especially early in the game.

  • Scan the Tableau for Aces

    Locate your Aces right away and work your way toward them. If you’re lucky, some will be at the bottom of a column or in one of your Cells. Otherwise, you’ll have to start digging!

  • Think Two, Three, or Four Steps Ahead

    It’s easy to paint yourself in a corner when playing ForeCell. Always think a few steps ahead — not just the next move you can make, but the one after it, and then the one after that.

Similar Games to ForeCell Solitaire

Keep the good times rolling! Try these other great games:

  • Game 1

    FreeCell Solitaire — The classic version of the game!

  • Game 2

    Double FreeCell — Play with twice the cards and build double Foundation Piles!

  • Game 3

    Spider Solitaire — Build Foundation Piles right in the Tableau!

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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