Forty Thieves Solitaire
Two decks, ten columns, eight foundations and one pass through the stock. A patience for people who like losing.
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How to play Forty Thieves Solitaire
Forty Thieves — also known as Napoleon at St Helena — is the classic two-deck patience with a reputation for cruelty. Ten columns of four cards, eight foundations to fill, and exactly one pass through the stock with no redeal. Winning one feels earned, because most deals simply cannot be won.
Rules
- Two decks are used. Forty cards are dealt face up into ten columns of four.
- Build the eight foundations up by suit from Ace to King.
- In the columns, build down in the same suit — the 8 of clubs goes on the 9 of clubs.
- Any card may be moved into an empty column.
- Several cards move at once only if they are in a suited run and you have enough empty columns for them.
- The stock deals one card at a time to the waste and there is no redeal — one pass only.
Tips to win more often
- Empty a column early. In this game an empty column is worth more than almost any single card.
- Do not block a column with a high card you cannot build on.
- Keep the foundations even. Racing one suit ahead strands the cards that need a landing spot.
- Look at the waste card before you make tableau moves — once it is buried it is gone for the rest of the game.
- Expect to lose. Experienced players win roughly one deal in ten, so use undo freely.
Forty Thieves Solitaire at a glance
| Deck | 2 decks (104 cards) |
|---|---|
| Layout | 10 columns of 4, 8 foundations |
| Stock | One pass, no redeal |
| Difficulty | Very hard |
| Winnable deals | Around 10% with good play |
Playing on a phone or Chromebook
The board resizes to whatever screen you are on. Drag a card with your finger, or simply tap it and it moves to the first place it legally fits. On a keyboard, N starts a new game, U undoes, H gives a hint and Space draws from the stock.
More free solitaire games
Klondike Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, FreeCell Solitaire, Pyramid Solitaire, TriPeaks Solitaire, Golf Solitaire — or see all twelve on the solitaire hub.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Forty Thieves?
Forty cards are dealt to the tableau at the start — the forty thieves. It is also known as Napoleon at St Helena.
Can I go through the stock twice?
No. Forty Thieves allows a single pass, which is the main reason so few deals can be won.
Do columns build in suit or alternating colours?
In suit. The 8 of hearts only goes on the 9 of hearts, which is far more restrictive than Klondike.
What goes in an empty column?
Any card, and that flexibility is the most valuable resource in the game.
How many cards can I move at once?
As many as the number of empty columns plus one, provided they form a suited descending run.
Is there an easier two-deck solitaire?
Yes — Spider in one or two suits is gentler, and Klondike is a better place to start.