FreeCell is a solitaire card game you can play free on the AARP website

FreeCell is a single-player card game built into the AARP Games section of AARP.org. You deal all 52 cards face-up in eight columns, then move them to four foundation piles in suit order from ace to king. The game gives you four empty spaces (called "free cells") to hold cards temporarily while you work out your moves. Unlike many solitaire games, nearly every FreeCell hand can be won with the right strategy — most deals are solvable.

You do not need to read anything or create a separate account. You can start playing when ready by going to AARP.org, finding the Games section, and selecting FreeCell. The game runs in your web browser on a computer or tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • FreeCell is played entirely in your browser on AARP.org with no read, login, or cost required.
  • The goal is to move all 52 cards to four foundation piles, building each suit from ace through king.
  • You have four free cells to temporarily hold cards, which is the main strategy tool in the game.
  • Most FreeCell deals are winnable, so if you get stuck, restarting the same numbered deal often reveals a new path forward.

How the game board is set up

When you start a new game, FreeCell lays out all 52 cards in eight columns across the screen. Each column holds six or seven cards, all face-up so you can see every card. At the top of the screen you see four empty foundation piles (where you will build your suits) and four empty free cells (where you can hold single cards).

The cards in each column form a stack. You can only move the bottom card of a stack, or a card that has no cards on top of it. This is what makes the puzzle challenging — you have to move blocking cards out of the way to reach the cards you need.

The basic rules and how to move cards

You move cards by clicking on them. A card can go to a foundation pile only if it is the next card in sequence for that suit — for example, if the ace of hearts is already in the foundation, you can move the two of hearts there next. You build each suit from ace to king.

You can also move a card to a free cell (one card per cell) to get it out of your way temporarily. Free cells act as holding spots while you clear other cards. Once you move a card to a free cell, you can move it back to a column or to a foundation pile whenever you want.

Within the columns themselves, you can move a card onto another card if the card you are moving is one rank lower and the opposite color. For example, you can move a red six onto a black seven. This is how you uncover cards buried deeper in the stacks.

Strategy tips for winning more games

The most important strategy in FreeCell is to use your free cells wisely. Do not fill all four free cells early in the game, because you will need empty cells later to make moves. Save free cells for moments when you are truly stuck and need to move a card out of the way temporarily.

Work toward exposing aces and twos as early as possible. These cards go to the foundation first, and moving them frees up space in the columns. Look ahead a few moves before you act — moving a card to a free cell might seem helpful now but could trap you later.

If you get stuck, you can restart the same numbered deal (FreeCell games are numbered, so you can replay the exact same layout). Restarting lets you try a different sequence of moves without losing progress on other games.

Accessing FreeCell on AARP.org

Go to AARP.org and look for the Games section in the main navigation menu. Click on Games, then scroll or search for FreeCell. Click to open the game, and it will load in your browser. You can play as many games as you want without signing in, though creating an AARP account lets you save your score and statistics if you choose.

FreeCell works on computers, tablets, and some phones, though a larger screen makes it easier to see all the cards and plan your moves. The game does not require any special software or plugins.

Other card games available on AARP Games

AARP offers several other solitaire and card games in the same Games section. Klondike (classic solitaire), Pyramid, Spider, and Mahjongg are commonly available. Each game has different rules and difficulty levels. You can switch between games without leaving the AARP website.

Many people play multiple games in one session to keep their minds active. AARP tracks your wins and losses for each game if you have an account, so you can see your progress over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to play FreeCell on AARP?

No. FreeCell is free to play on AARP.org. You do not need an AARP membership or to pay any fee. You can play as many games as you want at no cost.

Can I play FreeCell on my phone?

FreeCell works on most smartphones through your web browser, though the screen is smaller and can make the game harder to play. A tablet or computer gives you a better view of all the cards and makes planning moves easier.

What if I want to save my game and come back to it later?

Most versions of FreeCell on AARP.org do not let you pause and save a game in progress. You can close the browser and start a new game later, but you cannot resume the exact game you were playing. Each new game is a fresh deal.

Is every FreeCell deal winnable?

Nearly all FreeCell deals are winnable with the right moves, which is what makes it different from many other solitaire games. If you get stuck, try restarting the same numbered deal and looking for a different sequence of moves.

How do I find my game number if I want to replay a specific deal?

Each FreeCell game is assigned a number when it starts. This number is usually shown at the top or bottom of the game screen. Write down the number if you want to replay that exact deal later — you can often enter the number to load the same cards in the same order.