The goal of FreeCell is to create a stack of cards from low to high in each of the four foundation piles in the upper right corner. Each stack can contain only one suit.
Kings are the highest value, and aces are the lowest value. The four foundations must begin with aces and end with kings.
Below the foundation, you can move cards from one column to another. Cards in columns must be placed in descending order and must alternate between red and black.
In the upper left corner are four free cells, where you can temporarily store any single cards during play.
Moving a sequential stack of cards is the same as moving them individually to free cells and then back to the board. Therefore, you can only move a sequential stack of cards if you have enough free cells.
When you have an empty column, you can move any card there, or any stack of cards if you have enough free cells.
Examine the layout carefully before making any moves. It is very important to plan several moves ahead. The most obvious moves are not always the best moves.
Try to uncover the aces early. They will allow you to start to build your foundation piles and leave your free cells open.
Try to keep as many free cells empty as possible. Once all free cells are filled, you have almost no space to manoeuvre.
Try to create an empty column as soon as possible. Empty columns are more important than free cells because they can be used to store an entire sequence rather than a single card.