# freecell solitaire: A Card Puzzle That Rewards Smart Planning
At first glance, **Freecell Solitaire** looks like a familiar card game. All the cards are visible, the rules are easy to understand, and there is no need to draw from a hidden deck. Yet clearing the board is far from automatic. Every move affects the options available later, turning a simple card arrangement into a challenge of planning, patience, and careful decision-making.
## What Is Freecell Solitaire?
**Freecell Solitaire** is a single-player card game played with a standard 52-card deck. The cards are arranged across eight tableau columns, with four free cells and four foundation piles.
The objective is to move every card to the foundation piles, building each suit from Ace to King. In the tableau, cards must be arranged in descending order while alternating between red and black suits.
The four free cells provide temporary storage for individual cards. They may look like small spaces, but using them wisely is one of the most important parts of the game.
## How To Play Freecell Solitaire
Begin by examining the entire board before making your first move. Since every card is visible, you can identify important Aces, low-value cards, and sequences that may need to be moved.
Place cards into the foundation piles whenever possible. In the tableau, build descending sequences with alternating colors. Use the free cells to temporarily hold cards that are blocking useful moves.
Empty columns are especially valuable because they create room to rearrange larger sequences. However, filling all four free cells too early can seriously limit your options. Good players always