Eight Off vs FreeCell: What Is the Difference?
Eight Off and FreeCell look alike, with every card face up and free cells to park cards, but the rules differ in ways that change the strategy. Here is a side-by-side view.
Rules compared
| Feature | Eight Off | FreeCell |
|---|---|---|
| Columns | 8 columns of 6 | 8 columns |
| Free cells | 8 (four start filled) | 4 |
| Building | Down in the same suit | Down in alternating colours |
| Moving | One card at a time | An ordered run, within a limit |
| Empty column | Only a King | Any card |
What that means in play
In Eight Off the free cells do the work that moving a run does in FreeCell: you park cards one by one, then move them back. Empty columns are worth less, since only a King can use one, so do not empty a column unless a King is ready. A same-suit chain such as 9-8-7 never blocks itself and goes to a foundation card by card.
If you are new, start with FreeCell, then try Eight Off. See the Eight Off guide and how many cards you can move in FreeCell.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eight Off easier than FreeCell?
It has more free cells, but empty columns are less useful, so neither is simply easier. Planning matters in both.
Can I move several cards at once in Eight Off?
No. Eight Off moves one card at a time; the free cells make long sequences possible.
What can go in an empty column in Eight Off?
Only a King. FreeCell lets any card start an empty column.