FreeCell · Game rules

Flipper

Goal

Move all cards to the foundations.

At a glance

Like Penguin, but no cards are dealt to the foundations at the start of the game (like Tuxedo).

If any reserves are used, the top card of the tableau pile next to it is flipped face-down and that pile can't be used until that reserve is emptied.

Base game rules: Penguin

Goal

Move all cards to the foundations.

How to play

The top left card is called the Beak and determines the base rank for the foundations. The three other cards of the same rank are placed to the foundations.

The seven piles build down by same suit, wrapping around from Ace to King. Empty spaces may only be filled by a card or a sequence one below the Beak's rank.

The seven free cells (also called the Flipper) can hold any - and just one - card.

Base game rules: Tuxedo

Goal

Move all cards to the foundations.

At a glance

Like Penguin, but no cards are dealt to the foundations at the start of the game - the foundations are built up from ace to king. The last three cards are dealt to the first, fourth, and seventh tableaus.

Base game rules: Penguin

Goal

Move all cards to the foundations.

How to play

The top left card is called the Beak and determines the base rank for the foundations. The three other cards of the same rank are placed to the foundations.

The seven piles build down by same suit, wrapping around from Ace to King. Empty spaces may only be filled by a card or a sequence one below the Beak's rank.

The seven free cells (also called the Flipper) can hold any - and just one - card.

New to solitaire? A few useful terms
Tableau
The main playing area, usually arranged in columns or piles.
Foundation
A destination where cards are collected in the order required by the game.
Stock / talon
Cards waiting to be dealt. A game may allow one pass or several.
Waste
A pile receiving cards turned over from the stock.
Reserve / cell
A holding area. Its capacity and movement rules depend on the game.
Redeal
Another pass through the stock or a redistribution of cards, as specified in that game’s rules.

Game-rule reference adapted from PySolFC documentation, licensed under GPL v3 or later. References describe the game’s mechanics.