How to Play Forty Thieves
Description
A two-deck solitaire with ten columns, same-suit-only building, and no moves between columns unless the ranks match. Long, demanding, and satisfying when it finally comes together.
Also known as: Napoleon at St. Helena; Big Forty
Objective
Move all 104 cards onto eight foundation piles, sorted by suit from Ace to King.
Setup
Two decks. Deal ten columns of four cards each, all face up.
The rest forms the stock.
Rules
Build tableau columns downward, matching suit — only the bottom (exposed) card of a column can be moved, and only one card at a time.
An empty column can be filled with any single card.
Draw from the stock to the waste pile when you're stuck; only the top waste card is playable, onto the tableau or a foundation.
There's no redeal — once the stock is exhausted, you play with what's left.
Winning
Genuinely difficult — often cited around a 10% win rate even with skilled play.
You win once all eight foundations are complete.