Forty Thieves Solitaire Rules Explained

Forty Thieves Solitaire: The Basics

The game is played with two decks, making a total of 104 cards. At the start, 40 cards are dealt into ten columns, each with four cards facing up, forming the tableau. The remaining cards go into a stockpile. The goal is to build eight foundation piles, one for each suit, starting from Ace to King. Players move cards from the tableau and stock to build these foundations in the correct order!

Why It’s Called “Forty Thieves”

The name “Forty Thieves” comes from the initial setup of the game. Forty cards are dealt face-up across ten piles. This gives the sense of digging up pathways for 'opportunities,' and of blocking your path to the goal. The name also hints at the game’s difficulty. Like a band of 40 thieves, these cards stand in the way, and only careful moves can clear them out. It’s a fitting name for a game that tests your patience and skill.

Objective of the Game

The aim is simple: build eight piles in order, one for each suit, starting with Aces and ending with Kings. These foundation piles are empty at the beginning. To fill them, you’ll need to use cards from the tableau, the waste pile, and the stock. There is no reshuffling. Once a card has been drawn, it must be used or it's gone. Winning means getting all 104 cards into the right order, with no mistakes along the way.

Card Layout and Setup

When the game begins, the layout follows a fixed format. Ten tableau piles each hold four face-up cards. This gives you a full view of 40 cards right from the start. The rest of the cards are from the stockpile. To the side, you’ll have a waste pile where unplayable stock cards are placed. At the top or another clear area, eight foundation piles await, empty and ready to be filled as you play. This layout creates many options, and just as many traps.

Rules for Moving Cards

Only one card can be moved at a time. Within the tableau, cards must be stacked in order from highest to lowest (King down to Ace), and they also must match in suit. You can’t mix suits like in some other solitaire games. For example, a red 7 of Hearts can’t sit on a black 6 of Clubs. Sequences of cards also can’t be moved together. These limits make each move more important. Think before you shift anything, because there’s no going back.

How the Stock and Waste Piles Work

You draw one card at a time from the stock. If it can’t be played right away, it goes into the waste pile. Cards in the waste pile can still be played later, if they’re on top, but the uncovered cards can’t be reused unless the top cards are cleared. There is no second run through the stockpile. Every draw is final. Managing this pile well can be the difference between success and failure, especially in the late stages of the game.

Patience vs Aggression: Finding Your Play Style

There are two main ways people approach Forty Thieves. Some play slowly, making only safe moves and waiting for the right moments. Others dive in quickly, taking more risks and acting fast. Your choice will shape how you play the game and how often you win.

What a Patient Strategy Looks Like

If you play patiently, you avoid risky choices. You hold off on using the stock until necessary. You focus on slowly opening tableau spaces and revealing hidden cards. You wait to play cards to the foundation if doing so might block future moves. This approach keeps your options open. You may not win quickly, but you’ll lose less often. It’s a good way to learn the game and understand how small decisions shape the whole board.

How Aggressive Players Approach the Game

Aggressive players go for bold plays. They use the stock early to see more options. They try to clear columns and build foundations quickly to free up other cards. This brings exciting, rapid wins but can also lead to big mistakes if a key card gets buried or wasted. It suits people who enjoy taking chances and learning from their mistakes. With enough practice, some aggressive players learn to win more often by spotting patterns and acting fast.

Which Style is Best for You?

The best strategy depends on you. If you’re new to the game, start slow. Get to know how the cards interact. A patient approach helps you learn without too much risk. Once you’re more comfortable, you might try mixing in aggressive moves. The most skilled players don’t stick to just one style. They switch based on the layout, the cards they see, and what the game needs at the moment. It’s about balance, not extremes.

Quick Tips for Consistent Gameplay

• Clear full tableau columns when you can.
• Uncover face-down cards early.
• Don’t rush to play cards to foundations.
• Watch how many cards are left in the stock.
• Think ahead, two or three moves, not just one.
• Avoid stacking suits too quickly unless it helps right away.
• Monitor important cards.
• Practice often, patterns become easier to spot over time.

Challenge Yourself: Can You Beat the Forty Thieves?

This game isn’t easy, and that’s what makes it worth playing. Every round is a new puzzle. As you keep trying, you’ll see your choices start to matter more. You’ll learn when to hold back and when to act. You’ll also get better at reading the board and seeing where each move might lead. So go ahead, start a game now. Use the strategies and tips you’ve just read. See if you can outsmart the forty thieves and win.