Game guide · 20ZL
The essentials of playing Forty Thieves Solitaire
Begin with the objective. Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Select cards directly on the tableau and work through a full solo deal. Check the relevant controls before continuing. A clear plan starts with the current position. Move one card at a time; build down in the same suit. Empty columns accept one card. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
Two decks, ten columns, single-pass stock, no recycle. Free solo play, no wagering.
Try a more deliberate round
For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot. Use another round to revisit a decision.
What you need to achieve
Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Check the relevant controls before continuing. Take a moment to read the table.
Work through the instructions
- Move one card at a time; build down in the same suit. Empty columns accept one card.
- Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
- Move exposed cards onto suit foundations in the stated rank order.
- Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.
How to use the controls
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. A clear plan starts with the current position.
Learn from a sample situation
A club 5 can move onto a club 6, but a whole run cannot move together. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Where a round can go wrong
Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.
Common questions
What is the aim?
Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
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. Use the rule sheet as a reference. 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. Keep the active rule in mind. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
What should I check before a move?
Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Work at your own pace. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
Can you give an example?
A club 5 can move onto a club 6, but a whole run cannot move together. A clear plan starts with the current position. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
What completes a round?
Build eight suit foundations from ace to king. Keep the active rule in mind. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
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. Keep the active rule in mind. 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. Look at the complete hand before deciding. 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. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
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.
