Forty Thieves Solitaire

Puzzle Games Card Game Solitaire

Developer: Trunk Core Creations

Published: 2026-10-01

Updated: 2026-10-01

Reviews

Forty Thieves Solitaire trades the quick luck of traditional solitaire for a longer, more deliberate puzzle. The eight foundations and ten tableau columns create more build options but also more ways to block yourself. Easy mode adds sequence moves and a reusable stock, which helps newer players without removing the strategic core. The 15-minute average game length suits focused sessions. This is best for solitaire fans who want a mental workout rather than a casual time-filler.

Description

Eight Foundations, Ten Columns

Forty Thieves Solitaire departs from standard solitaire by using eight foundation piles instead of four. The tableau is dealt into ten columns of four face-up cards each, with the remaining cards forming the stock pile. Your goal is to move all cards to the foundations, building each suit in ascending order from ace to king. Tableau columns must be built in descending order with alternating colors. This layout creates more simultaneous build targets but also more clutter to manage.

Moves, Stock, and Easy Mode

You can move the top card of any tableau column or the top card from the stock to another tableau column or a foundation. In easy mode, you may move sequences of the same suit as a unit and cycle through the stock pile multiple times. These allowances reduce the puzzle's rigidity, giving you more chances to recover from a blocked position. Standard mode restricts you to single-card moves and a single pass through the stock, raising the difficulty.

Planning Under Pressure

Because the tableau starts fully face-up, there are no hidden cards to reveal early. Instead, the challenge comes from the sheer number of cards in play and the limited stock. Every move either opens a foundation slot or clogs a column. You must weigh whether to clear a column for a sequence or push a card to a foundation that might block a future move. The average game lasts around 15 minutes, offering a substantial puzzle session without requiring hours.

Who Should Play

This variant suits solitaire players who find traditional games too easy and want a longer, more deliberate challenge. The eight foundations and ten columns demand pattern recognition and patience. If you prefer fast, luck-driven solitaire, Forty Thieves may feel slow. But if you enjoy planning several moves ahead and adjusting when the stock runs low, this game rewards that mindset.

Editorial Notes

Compatibility

💻 Desktop | 📱 Mobile | 📟 Tablet

– All supported · Best with Chrome or Safari

Faq

How is Forty Thieves Solitaire different from Klondike?

Forty Thieves uses eight foundations and ten tableau columns, while Klondike uses four foundations and seven columns. The tableau is dealt entirely face-up, so there are no hidden cards. This makes Forty Thieves more about planning and less about luck, with a longer average game length.

What does easy mode change in Forty Thieves Solitaire?

Easy mode lets you move sequences of the same suit as a unit and cycle through the stock pile multiple times. Standard mode only allows single-card moves and one pass through the stock. Easy mode reduces the penalty for a wrong move, making it more forgiving for new players.

How long does a typical game of Forty Thieves Solitaire last?

The average game lasts around 15 minutes. That length comes from the ten-column tableau and eight foundations, which require more moves than a standard solitaire deal. Games can end faster if you reach a dead end early or slower if you carefully optimize each move.

Can I move any card to a foundation in Forty Thieves Solitaire?

No. Foundations must be built in ascending order from ace to king, one suit per foundation. You can only move an ace to an empty foundation, then the two of that suit, and so on. Tableau columns, by contrast, are built in descending order with alternating colors.

Is Forty Thieves Solitaire suitable for beginners?

It is more challenging than most solitaire variants because of the eight foundations and ten columns. Beginners may find easy mode helpful, as it allows sequence moves and a reusable stock. Players who already understand descending alternating-color builds will adapt faster.

What skills does Forty Thieves Solitaire require?

The game rewards strategic thinking, patience, and pattern recognition. You need to plan several moves ahead, decide when to use the stock pile, and avoid blocking foundation slots. Attention to detail matters because a single misplaced card can stall the entire tableau.