FreeCell Puzzle #2: The 617 Supermove Trap

Can you save this game?

One hidden supermove unlocks the entire position.

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Can You Save This Game?

The 617 Supermove Trap

This position is taken from the famous Microsoft Deal #617 at its best-known trouble spot. One tableau column is empty and one free cell is open, but the rescue depends on recognising that those two resources combine to permit a four-card supermove.

Position
Expert rescue
Source deal
#617
Focus
Supermove capacity
Cards outside foundations
49
Free cells occupied
3/4

Can this FreeCell position be saved?

Yes. Puzzle #2 is a verified solvable position derived from Microsoft Deal #617. The saved board state sits on a legal winning line and has been replay-checked from the original numbered deal through to a completed game.

Why this position is tricky

Deal #617 is one of FreeCell’s historically notorious difficult deals. In the published Brian Kraft solution, many players reported getting stuck at move 20 because the required 5→1 move looks impossible if you are not accounting for supermove capacity. Here, the sequence 8♠–7♥–6♣–5♦ can legally move together onto the 9♥.

Hints for Puzzle #2

  1. Count your move capacity before moving a single card into the empty column.
  2. The empty column plus the empty free cell let you move a four-card descending alternating sequence.
  3. Move 8♠–7♥–6♣–5♦ from column 5 onto the 9♥ in column 1.

Solution approach

Reveal the rescue plan

The critical rescue starts with the four-card supermove 8♠–7♥–6♣–5♦ from column 5 to column 1. Continue by moving 6♠ into the empty column, parking 6♦ in the open free cell, then rebuilding 5♠ and 4♥ onto the newly available sequence.

Try another FreeCell puzzle

Puzzle #1 · The Last Free Cell Puzzle #3 · No Cheap Exit Puzzle #4 · The Foundation Timing Trap Puzzle #5 · The 1941 Pressure Test