Do you think you know everything there is to know about Freecell?
If so, think again. It turns out that this game is more nuanced than many people think.
The following post explores some of the things you might not know about Freecell, including some interesting facts about the game, where it came from, and why it became such a global hit.
Medical Students Invented It
Yes, that’s right, Freecell was actually invented by medical student Paul Alfille in 1978 while studying for his degree at the University of Illinois. Paul didn’t like the idea of manually shuffling cards, so he programmed a computer to do it for him (one of the first in the world to do so).
The result was one of the earliest digital games in the world (only arriving slightly after Pong). Freecell was pretty simple and only required basic graphics.
It Is A Twist On An Older Game
Freecell is actually an updated version of Baker’s Game, but for the computer, which itself came from Eight Off, which is a type of solitaire mainly played in the 1920s.
Alfille updated the game by adding the building tableaus to the table setup, and alternating the colors, not the suits.
This approach made Freecell much more approachable than any of the games that went before. Players actually stood a pretty decent chance of winning, which was a nice change from before.
Most Games Are Winnable
Speaking of which, statisticians believe there’s a 99% chance of winning a Freecell game, which is different from other solitaire games where the winning percentage is much lower. Some spider solitaire games only have a 2 or 3% chance of winning, depending on the rules, since cards simply block each other, preventing success.
It Became A Global Hit Because Of Microsoft
While Alfille’s game was fun, it is unclear whether it would have become as successful as it did without the help of computing giant Microsoft. The tech firm included it in its 1995 operating system, Windows 95, alongside other solitaire games.
Eventually, people began competing in tournaments or casually, which sent the game’s popularity surging even higher. Now it is pretty much a cultural staple, and everyone knows about it, even if they don’t play it regularly.
It’s Based On Math
Freecell is also based on math, which makes it more fun for players who like to win. You can actually prove that winning hands are possible in most normal situations, which is convenient if you can’t see the next move and need to retrace your steps.
It Boosts Your Brain
Another thing you need to know about Freecell is its uncanny ability to boost brain power. People who play the game regularly seem to have slower brain ageing and improved memory.
Researchers think this is because of the cognitive load that the game places on the brain. With so much going on, brain tissue is forced to generate new connections, which strengthens thinking and makes it more adaptable and intelligent.
