Skip to content
Solitaire collection

Forty Thieves Solitaire

Two decks. Strict rules. A genuine challenge.

Forty Thieves is famously tough - said to be Napoleon's favourite. Two full decks deal into ten columns of four; you can only move a single card at a time, building down by suit. Win rates hover around 10%.

Variants in this collection

How to play

  1. Two decks (104 cards) deal into 10 tableau columns of 4 cards each, all face-up.
  2. Build the tableau down by suit (clubs on clubs, hearts on hearts, etc.).
  3. Move only one card at a time - no group moves.
  4. Build 8 foundations up by suit, Ace to King.
  5. Stock cards are turned one at a time, with no redeals.

Strategy & tips

  • Empty columns are precious - you'll need at least one to make complex re-orderings possible.
  • Don't bury low ranks. A 3 trapped under 8 cards is often a lost game.
  • Try the Relaxed variants first if Forty Thieves classic feels punishing.

You might also like

Free forever

Free forever. No interruptions.

Install once, play for years. iOS and Android - pick your store and you're a tap away from the table.