How to Play ThreeCell Solitaire

A streamlined version of FreeCell using just three temporary cells instead of four. Move all 52 cards to the foundations by building up by suit while using cells as temporary holding spaces.

Setup

1. Four foundation piles start empty, ready to receive Aces.
2. Three cells are available for temporary storage—each holds one card.
3. Eight tableau piles contain all remaining cards, dealt face up.

How to play

• All 52 cards are dealt face up across the eight tableau piles before you start—there's no stock to deal from.
• Move cards to the foundations (Ace first, then building up by suit).
• Build tableau piles downward in alternating colors (e.g., 10♠ on J♥).
• Move one card at a time between tableau piles or into empty cells.
• Only the top card of each tableau pile can be moved.
• Place a card in an empty cell to free up cards beneath it.
• The app automatically moves a card to the foundation once no other card can be built on it; you can change this in Settings.
• Empty a tableau pile by moving all its cards elsewhere—you can fill it with any card.

How to win

Objective: Build each foundation from Ace to King in the same suit.

You win when all four foundations are complete from Ace to King. You're stuck when no more moves are possible and you can't access the cards you need.

Tips

• Keep at least one cell empty when possible—having empty cells gives you more flexibility.
• Since only one card moves at a time, avoid burying cards you'll need again soon.
• Build on the foundations whenever you can rather than keeping cards in cells.

Play ThreeCell free on Windows

CardTray is a free solitaire app for Windows that includes ThreeCell alongside 300+ other games. It saves every move as you play, so you can close the window and pick the game up later, replay any deal, and take on a new Daily Challenge deal every day. Browse every game in the Game Gallery.

Related games

More games from the FreeCell family:

• Two Cell — Two Cell trims the usual FreeCell layout down to just two free cells, so you'll lean on smart tableau sequencing more than spare storage to get every card home.
• Bastion — A strategic solitaire with FreeCell-like cells and a unique tableau where cards build both up and down within the same suit.
• Private Lane — A Streets and Alleys game with two extra cells for temporary storage.