Can I move a non-King into an empty column in Seahaven Towers?

No. Only a King or a sequence that starts with a King can be placed in an empty column. This is one of the two big differences from standard FreeCell.

How many free cells are empty at the start of Seahaven Towers?

Two free cells are empty. The other two hold the two leftover cards from the deal, so you have less temporary storage than in standard FreeCell.

Do I have to build down in the same suit in Seahaven Towers?

Yes. You can only place a card on another card of the same suit, and the card you place must be one rank lower. For example, the 7 of clubs goes on the 8 of clubs.

Can I move a sequence of cards in Seahaven Towers?

You can move only one card at a time, but you can use free cells and empty columns as temporary space to shift a sequence, following the same supermove principle as FreeCell.

Seahaven Towers: The FreeCell Cousin With 10 Columns

Seahaven Towers shares the same DNA as FreeCell but adds two twists that change how you play. Think of it as the cousin with 10 columns instead of 8, where you build down in the same suit and only a King can fill an empty column. The rules are straightforward once you understand the constraints. Master the two big differences from standard FreeCell and the core tactics, and you can win consistently.

How Seahaven Towers is Set Up

Seahaven Towers uses one standard 52-card deck. Deal fifty cards face up into 10 columns of 5 cards each. That leaves 2 cards, which go into two of the four free cells. Because two cells are occupied, the game begins with only 2 empty free cells instead of the usual 4. Build the foundations up by suit from Ace to King, just like in FreeCell. Build the tableau columns down, but here is the first big difference: you must build down in the same suit, not in alternating colors.

The Two Big Differences from FreeCell

In-Suit Building

In FreeCell you stack a red 7 on a black 8. In Seahaven Towers you cannot. Every card placed on another in the tableau must match suit. Place the 5 of hearts on the 6 of hearts. Do not place it on the 6 of clubs. This restriction makes sequences harder to build and forces you to plan moves more carefully.

King-Only Empty Columns

Only a King, or a sequence that starts with a King, can move into an empty column. You cannot drop any other card into an empty space. This rule matches Klondike, but it is a major departure from FreeCell, where any card can fill an empty column. In Seahaven Towers, empty columns are reserved for Kings. That limits your ability to break up sequences and forces you to use free cells more actively.

Core Rules Summary

Build tableau cards down in the same suit, such as the 8 of spades on the 9 of spades.
Place only a King or a King-led sequence in an empty column.
Build foundations up by suit from Ace to King.
Move one card at a time, using free cells and empty columns as temporary space, following the same principle as a FreeCell supermove.
The game starts with 2 of the 4 free cells occupied, leaving 2 empty.

How Free Cells Work in Seahaven Towers

Free cells serve the same purpose as in FreeCell: park a single card in each cell to free up a card buried in a column. You start with only 2 empty cells, so you have less room to maneuver than in standard FreeCell. Every card you place in a free cell takes up a slot that could be used for another move. Treat free cells as short-term storage. Move a card into a cell, make your sequence move, then immediately move that card out to a foundation or back to the tableau.

Strategy for Seahaven Towers

Prioritize Foundations Early

You cannot break up sequences as easily, so your best way to free up space is to move cards to the foundations. Look for Aces and low cards that can start or extend a foundation. The sooner you clear cards from the tableau, the more empty columns you create for Kings.

Use Free Cells to Reorder Suits

In-suit building means you often need to rearrange cards of the same suit. If a 7 of diamonds blocks an 8 of diamonds, move the 7 to a free cell, then move the 8 onto the 9, then bring the 7 out onto the 8. This is the same supermove principle from FreeCell, but now you must also respect suit matching.

Plan King Placement

Empty columns are rare and valuable. Only a King can go there, so when you create an empty column, have a King ready to move into it. If no King is available, that empty column is wasted space until one turns up. Clear a column only when you know a King is accessible, or when you need the empty column to hold a King-led sequence temporarily.

Work With Sequences One Card at a Time

Move sequences one card at a time, using free cells and empty columns as temporary space. To move a 3-4-5 sequence in the same suit, move the 3 to a free cell, move the 4 to another free cell, move the 5 to its new column, then bring the 4 onto the 5, then the 3 onto the 4. This takes multiple moves but is often the only way to shift a long sequence.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

Filling free cells too quickly. With only 2 empty cells, you can easily fill both and then have no room to move. Think before you put a card in a free cell.
Forgetting the King rule. You cannot place a non-King in an empty column. If you clear a column and have no King, you have to wait. Do not clear a column unless you are ready to use it.
Building across suits. In Seahaven Towers, building across suits is illegal. Double-check suit matches before you drop a card.
Ignoring foundations. Foundations are your main way to reduce the tableau. Move cards up whenever you can, especially if they are blocking other moves.

Why Seahaven Towers is a Good FreeCell Variant

Seahaven Towers offers a tighter, more restrictive puzzle than standard FreeCell. In-suit building forces you to think about suit order, and King-only empty columns add a planning layer that FreeCell lacks. For a challenge that rewards careful sequencing and patience, this strategy is worth learning. Play it for free at freecellsolitaire.info without signing up.