How to Play Forty Thieves Solitaire

THE PLAYBOOK · SDYZ85

How to play Forty Thieves Solitaire

Try Forty Thieves Solitaire at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Use the example below to understand a decision. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Two decks, ten columns, single-pass stock, no recycle. Free solo play, no wagering.

Build a steady rhythm

Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

Step by step

1. Move one card at a time; build down in the same suit. Empty columns accept one card.
2. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
3. Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Controls

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Use the control method described here for this activity. Check any mode label before starting.

A useful example

A club 5 can move onto a club 6, but a whole run cannot move together. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions