Variants FreecellAbout FreecellIn 1978, Paul Alfille modified Baker's Game Solitaire to create the first version of Freecell. Later, Jim Horne made this game available for Microsoft Windows, ensuring Freecell's widespread popularity. All Freecell-style games are classed as Open Puzzles, meaning that all cards are face-up from the start and that planning and strategy are required to win the game. The LayoutFreecell-style games have three elements in common: 
To WinBuild each Foundation Pile in ascending value from the Base Card (usually an Ace, but depends on the particular game) with all cards in a Pile sharing the same suit. The game is won when each Foundation Pile has 13 cards. Foundation RulesOnly one card at a time may be played to or from a Foundation Pile. Building within the TableauThe Tableau Stacks are used to manage the cards so that they can eventually be moved to the Foundation Piles. Sequences of cards in descending value can be built within the Tableau. Particular games determine which suit are required to make such sequences. In general, those games that allow sequences to be built in alternating color are easier than games which require sequences in same-suit. How to use the CellsA Cell can be used as a temporary holding space for any single card. The card can be moved from the Cell if it follows the building rules of the Tableau Stacks or Foundation Piles for the particular game. The number of empty Cells determines how many cards can be moved as a group from one Tableau Stack to another Stack. For example, one free Cell allows two cards to be moved, two free Cells allows three cards, and so on. HintsTry to keep as many Cells empty as possible. Free any Aces and other low-value cards buried in the Tableau Stacks. An empty Tableau Stack is more valuable than an empty Cell as you can temporarily store a sequence of cards rather than just a single card. 
Baker's GameA challenging forerunner of Freecell, created by mathematician C.L Baker. Four Cells are available. Build the Tableau Stack Sequences in descending value and same suit. Any card can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
Double FreecellA version of Freecell using two packs of cards, for longer games. Eight Cells are available. Build the Tableau Stacks in descending value and alternating color. Any card can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
Eight AwayAlso known as Eight Off. Eight Cells are used, with four occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stack Sequences in descending value and same suit. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
Eight OffEight Off is one of the oldest of the Freecell-style games. It is somewhat easy to play thanks to the large number of Cells available. Also known as Eight Away. Eight Cells are used, with four occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stack Sequences in descending value and same suit. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
ForecellThis game dates from 1945. Originally called Napoleon in St Helena, it was renamed by Thomas Warfield in 1999 to highlight its close ties with Freecell. Four Cells are used, and are occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stacks in descending value and alternating color. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
Napoleon in St HelenaAlso known as Forecell. Four Cells are used, and are occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stacks in descending value and alternating color. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
PenguinThis fun game was invented by David Parlett. Seven Cells (known as the Flipper) are available. The first card laid out to the Tableau becomes the Beak. This determines the value (e.g. Jack) of the three Base Cards which are automatically placed on the Foundation Piles. Build the Tableau Stacks in descending value and same suit, circularly (i.e. you can place a King on an Ace). A card of one less value than the Beak can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack. If the Beak is an Ace, then a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
Sea TowersAlso known as Seahaven Towers or The Towers. Four Cells are used and two are occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stack Sequences in descending value and same suit. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
Seahaven TowersAlso known as Sea Towers or The Towers. This game was popularized on the Mac by Art Cabral. Four Cells are used and two are occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stack Sequences in descending value and same suit. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
The TowersAlso known as Sea Towers or Seahaven Towers. Four Cells are used and two are occupied from the start. Build the Tableau Stack Sequences in descending value and same suit. Only a King can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
ThreecellA version of Freecell using three Cells. Build the Tableau Stacks in descending value and alternating color. Any card can be moved to an empty Tableau Stack.
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