4 Deck Freecell: Rules, Strategies & Tips
Four Deck Freecell is the newer edition of the standard Solitaire game played with 208 cards. It increases playtime and opens more space for strategizing.
Here, you will learn about Four Deck Freecell rules, how they differ from the standard Solitaire version, and tips to improve your Four Deck Freecell winning rates.
What Is 4 Deck Freecell?
Similarly to most Solitaire variations, Four Deck Freecell follows general Solitaire rules. To win a game, players should move cards to 16 foundation piles by suit in ascending order. Each pile starts with Ace and proceeds up to King.
The main playground is called tableau. In 4 Deck Freecell, there are 14 tableau columns to place cards, and they should be face-up.
The real difference between the original Solitaire and Four Deck Freecell lies in quantity — the latter is played with more cards, cells, and foundations. There are 208 cards and twice as many columns and foundations.
The number of cards makes it harder to find cards needed to build cascades. Mistakes start to pile up quicker with more possible plays. The player wins when all 208 cards are moved to 16 foundation piles.
Is 4 Deck Freecell Harder Than Classic?
The short answer would be — yes, Four Deck Freecell is harder than classic Freecell. There are a few reasons why it’s this way.
Four decks make the player think harder because the solution to each cascade is not as straightforward as in the classic game. With 52 cards, it’s easier to remember where each card is located. Players are forced to constantly revise their tableau when there are four decks, which tests their wits to the max.
Another crucial difference is that there are four decks with 16 Aces that should go first in foundation piles. However, there are 14 free cells for temporary storage, meaning you should manage multiple foundation piles simultaneously. Each pile contains 13 cards, and each game takes at least twice as much time to complete compared to the classic version.
Frustration is a common emotion for those going from regular Solitaire to Four Deck Freecell. However, through trial and error, every player can adjust and conquer this game.
How to Solve Difficult 4 Deck Freecell Games
Four solutions can help players make the best of their Four Deck Freecell experience:
Turn Free Cells Into Your Secret Weapon
Free cells are designated areas for cards to move cards out of your way. New players get excited and fill free cells too quickly. Experienced players keep free cells as their last resort — when no other play makes sense in the tableau. They use free cells as a backup plan to move cards that are blocking their way.
Clear a Path
With so many cards, a wrong move can lead to the path of no return. The solution is to clear the path by placing cards on the empty tableau columns. Players should move cards that block key suits and sequences to the side columns. They screen each card they get and find a perfect spot for them, considering the future moves.
Think Like a Chess Master
Four Deck Freecell is a difficult game to master. Every player must think at least four moves ahead to succeed. Random moves can lead to a dead end, so each move should be with the purpose.
It’s Time to Level Up!
Classic Solitaire is nostalgic. However, if you are seeking something new, Four Deck Freecell can be a perfect option. It provides a bigger challenge with four times as many cards and twice as many cells, doubling players’ fun.
