In FreeCell, a perfectly ordered alternating-color sequence may still be too long to move. Most digital versions treat a multi-card transfer as shorthand for a series of legal single-card moves. The available free cells and empty tableau columns therefore determine how many cards can be transferred.
Why add one to the empty-cell count?
With no empty cells, you can still move one card directly. With one empty cell, you can park the top card, move the lower card to its destination, and rebuild the pair. Two empty cells let you transfer three cards by the same process.
| Empty cells | Maximum with no empty columns |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1 card |
| 1 | 2 cards |
| 2 | 3 cards |
| 3 | 4 cards |
| 4 | 5 cards |
Why an empty column multiplies capacity
An empty column can hold a sequence you already know how to transfer, not just one card. One working column lets you split the sequence into two groups, which generally doubles capacity. Two working columns allow further subdivision and multiply the basic capacity by four.
With two empty cells and one working empty column, the usual limit is (2 + 1) × 2 = 6 cards. With two working empty columns it becomes (2 + 1) × 4 = 12 cards.
The destination-column exception
If you want to move a sequence into the only empty column, that column cannot also serve as temporary workspace. It contributes zero to the exponent. With two empty cells and no other empty column, the limit is three cards—not six—even though an empty column is visible on the board.
This is the most common source of confusion. Count only empty columns that remain available while the destination is occupied.
Worked examples
Three empty cells, no empty column
(3 + 1) × 1 = 4 cards. A five-card ordered sequence is still too long. You need to free one more cell, create a working column, or move part of the sequence elsewhere first.
One empty cell, two working columns
(1 + 1) × 4 = 8 cards. If one of those columns becomes the destination, only one working column remains and the practical limit falls to four cards.
A sequence contains two cards of the same color
The formula does not help if the sequence itself is invalid. The cards must already follow the build rule, usually descending rank in alternating colors.
How to preserve movement capacity
- Plan a return route before filling a cell. Permanent storage reduces the limit one card at a time.
- Do not waste an empty column on an isolated high card. It may be needed to transfer an entire sequence.
- Move safe low cards to foundations. Freeing an Ace or 2 that is no longer needed in the tableau can restore workspace.
- Work backward from the required length. If the target sequence has six cards, calculate the cell and column combination you need before rearranging.
When the formula does not match the game
Some variants permit only single-card movement, use a linear rather than exponential rule, or automate sequences differently. A game may also prevent foundation cards from returning to the tableau. If a calculated move fails, verify the sequence order, destination rule, and help screen before assuming the player is broken.
Try the principle while playing FreeCell: count open cells and usable columns before selecting a run. The glossary explains the board areas, while the stuck checklist helps diagnose a blocked deal.