FreeCell Supermoves: How to Move Groups of Cards
A common misconception about FreeCell is that you can only move one card at a time. You can move sequences as a group — but only if you have the free space to do so. Understanding exactly how much space you need changes how you plan every position.
What Is a Supermove?
A supermove is when the game simulates moving a sequence of alternating-color, descending cards all at once. Under the hood, the game is moving them one at a time through free cells and empty columns — but it happens instantly if you have enough space.
The maximum number of cards you can move as a group equals: (number of empty free cells + 1) × 2^(number of empty tableau columns). This formula is the most important calculation in intermediate and advanced FreeCell play.
Breaking Down the Formula
With no empty free cells and no empty columns: you can move 1 card. With 1 empty free cell and no empty columns: 2 cards. With 2 empty free cells and no empty columns: 3 cards. With 3 empty free cells and no empty columns: 4 cards. With all 4 free cells empty and no empty columns: 5 cards.
Now add an empty column: with 4 empty free cells and 1 empty column, you can move 10 cards. With 2 empty free cells and 2 empty columns: (2+1) × 4 = 12 cards. Empty columns contribute exponentially; free cells contribute linearly. This is why advanced players prioritize emptying entire columns over preserving free cells.
Practical Application
Before attempting to move a long sequence, count: how many free cells are empty? How many tableau columns are empty? Apply the formula. If your sequence has 7 cards and the formula says you can only move 5, you need to either shorten the sequence or create more space first.
The most common error is attempting a move intuitively, having it fail, and not understanding why. The formula eliminates that confusion — you always know exactly how many cards you can move before trying.
Creating Space Before You Need It
Since empty columns contribute exponentially to your move capacity, the best time to create an empty column is before you need to make a big move. If you can see that in three moves you'll need to shift a 6-card sequence, plan to empty a column now so that the space is available when you need it.
This forward-planning mindset — creating resources before they are needed — is what separates a good FreeCell player from a great one. The game always plays better when you're preparing for the next constraint rather than reacting to it.
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