Forty Thieves - Play Online Free
Forty Thieves is a classic 2-deck solitaire game known for its difficulty. Ten columns of 4 face-up cards each provide complete information, but the same-suit building rule and single-card-only moves make it one of the hardest standard solitaire variants. Only about 10% of deals are solvable.
How to Play Forty Thieves
Setup
Use 2 standard decks (104 cards). Deal 40 cards face-up into 10 columns of 4 cards each — this is where the name "Forty Thieves" comes from. The remaining 64 cards form a large stock pile.
Rules
- All 40 tableau cards are dealt face-up.
- Build tableau columns in descending rank with same-suit cards only.
- Only single cards can be moved — no group moves allowed.
- Any card can fill an empty tableau column.
- Draw one card at a time from the stock with no redeals.
- Build 8 foundation piles from Ace to King by suit.
Strategy Tips
- With single-card moves only, every move must count — plan carefully.
- Empty columns are your primary workspace — protect them.
- Build foundations as fast as possible to reduce cards in play.
- Same-suit building is very restrictive — look for same-suit sequences to build on.
- The large stock (64 cards) means most of the game is hidden — manage expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Forty Thieves considered so difficult?
Three factors combine: (1) same-suit building severely limits valid placements, (2) single-card-only moves prevent group reorganization, and (3) no redeals mean stock cards are one-chance-only. Only about 10% of deals are solvable.
What is the origin of the name Forty Thieves?
The name refers to the 40 cards initially dealt to the tableau (10 columns × 4 cards). It is also called "Napoleon at St. Helena" because Napoleon reportedly played this game during his exile.
Are there easier versions of Forty Thieves?
Yes, several variants relax the rules: Streets and Alleys allows alternating-color building, Limited uses 12 columns of 3 cards, and Lucas starts with Aces pre-placed on foundations. Each modification makes the game more accessible.