Forty Thieves Solitaire
Two decks. Ten tableau columns. Cards build down by suit only, and groups cannot be moved as a unit. Forty Thieves is one of the oldest and most demanding classic solitaires — strong players win around 10% of hands. The name is said to come from the forty face-up cards dealt at the start ("the forty thieves"), each waiting to be stolen back into the foundations.
How to Play Forty Thieves
- Two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total) are dealt into ten tableau columns of four cards each, all face-up.
- The remaining 64 cards form the stock pile. Click the stock to flip one card at a time to the waste.
- Build eight foundations from Ace to King by suit.
- In the tableau, build down by suit (red 9 of hearts on red 10 of hearts only).
- Move one card at a time. Groups are not allowed.
- Empty columns accept any single card.
- Only one pass through the stock — no recycle.
3 Strategy Tips for Forty Thieves
- Empty a column early. An empty column is one of your only real maneuvering tools in this game. Aim to clear a column on the first pass.
- Use the waste sparingly. Once a card lands in the waste, it's only accessible when it cycles to the top. Plan tableau moves before flipping more stock.
- Hold low cards. Aces and 2s are anchors. Send them up only when the foundation is genuinely ready to keep going.
FAQ
Why is Forty Thieves so hard?
Two decks plus same-suit-only tableau building plus single-card moves plus a single stock pass — every constraint stacks against you.
What's the win rate?
Around 10% for strong players. Optimal computer play reaches ~25%.
Are there easier versions?
Yes. Variants like "Limited" allow same-color (not same-suit) tableau builds, dramatically raising win rates.