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An introduction to playing Forty Thieves Solitaire

A small practice goal

Look at the complete hand before deciding. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot. Use another round to revisit a decision.

The objective of a round

Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Use another round to revisit a decision. Use the rule sheet as a reference.

Follow these playing steps

  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. Move exposed cards onto suit foundations in the stated rank order.
  4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Making selections and moves

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear. For a calm first round, focus on one decision.

See how the rules apply

A club 5 can move onto a club 6, but a whole run cannot move together. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Where a round can go wrong

Keep the active rule in mind. Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Helpful answers for players

What is the aim?

Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Take a moment to read the table. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

How do I use the controls?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Which format is available?

Two decks, ten columns, single-pass stock, no recycle. Free solo play, no wagering. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

What should I check before a move?

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Use the rule sheet as a reference. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Can you give an example?

A club 5 can move onto a club 6, but a whole run cannot move together. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What completes a round?

Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Take a moment to read the table. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Which controls should I use?

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Which version is played here?

Two decks, ten columns, single-pass stock, no recycle. Free solo play, no wagering. Keep the active rule in mind. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Does play involve an account or cash?

No. Play is free, without registration, deposits, bets or cash prizes. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Use another round to revisit a decision.

What completes a round?

Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Before making a move, check the cards in view. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.