What Is Forty Thieves Solitaire?
Forty Thieves Solitaire earns its name from the forty cards dealt into ten tableau columns at the start. The game uses two full decks, eight foundations, and strict same-suit building. That creates a slower, tougher puzzle than Klondike. You cannot move packed sequences freely in the traditional rule set; you usually move one top card at a time. The challenge teaches patience, suit tracking, and long-range planning. Start a deal and try to move all eight suits home.
How to Play Forty Thieves Solitaire
- Deal ten tableau columns with four face-up cards in each column.
- Use the remaining cards as the stock, turning one card at a time to the waste.
- Build eight foundations upward by suit from Ace to King.
- Build tableau columns downward by the same suit.
- Move only available top cards unless your table rules allow packed sequence moves.
- Place any available card into an empty tableau column.
Basic Rules
- Forty Thieves uses two standard decks, for 104 cards total.
- The tableau starts with 40 face-up cards.
- Foundations build upward by suit, starting with Aces.
- Tableau piles build downward by the same suit, not by alternating color.
- Traditional rules allow only one card moved at a time.
- Stock cards usually pass through once, which makes waste timing important.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Free Aces as soon as possible. Eight foundations need early starts before the tableau clogs.
- Build by suit in the tableau only when it improves access. Same-suit stacks can still trap useful lower cards.
- Use empty columns as working spaces. A single open column can sort one suit segment and rescue waste cards.
- Track duplicate ranks. Two 7 of Hearts cards exist, so one copy may be safe to bury while another remains available.
- Think before drawing. Waste cards can become unreachable if you cycle too quickly through the stock.
Real Examples of Gameplay
Early Ace Move
You see Ace of Diamonds at the top of column seven. Move it to a foundation immediately, then look for 2 of Diamonds before drawing stock.
Same-Suit Build
A 9 of Spades can move onto 10 of Spades. Do it if the move exposes a hidden route to an Ace or opens a column.
Using an Empty Column
You clear column three. Place a King there only if it begins a useful same-suit run or gets a blocking card out of the waste.
Variations of Forty Thieves Solitaire
- Spider Solitaire: Also uses two decks, but it clears complete King-to-Ace suit sequences from the tableau.
- Josephine: A Forty Thieves variant that allows moving packed same-suit sequences together.
- Limited: A stricter family member that changes tableau and stock handling for a harder game.
Why People Love Forty Thieves Solitaire
- The two-deck setup gives the puzzle scale.
- Same-suit building rewards careful suit memory.
- Low win rates make each completed game feel earned.
- The rules are clear, but the decisions stay demanding.
Play Forty Thieves Solitaire Online for Free
Play Forty Thieves Solitaire online for free and work through one of the tougher two-deck patience games. Build foundations, manage empty columns, and use the stock carefully. A small mistake can cost the deal, so take your time.
Comparison
| Version | Difficulty | Players | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forty Thieves | Hard | 1 | 12 to 30 min |
| Spider Solitaire | Medium to Hard | 1 | 10 to 20 min |
| Josephine | Medium | 1 | 10 to 25 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Forty Thieves?
The name points to the forty tableau cards dealt at the start: ten columns of four cards.
Can I move a full sequence?
Traditional Forty Thieves allows one card at a time. Some digital variants allow packed same-suit sequences.
Is Forty Thieves winnable often?
It has a low win rate compared with Klondike. Careful stock use and empty-column management improve your chances.
Do tableau cards build by color?
No. Tableau cards build downward by the same suit.
Start Playing Now
Forty Thieves Solitaire suits players who want a slower, tougher card puzzle. Sort by suit, protect empty columns, and build eight foundations from Ace to King. Start your free game now.