Forty Thieves is one of the hardest patience games on SolitaireHot: two decks, build down in suit, and usually only one card moves at a time. Wins feel rare — and carefully earned. This strategy note focuses on empty space and not scattering suits.
Foundation when safe
Because tableau mobility is limited, sending cards to foundation is often correct once they are not needed as landing spots. Holding low cards “just in case” can freeze entire columns.
Keep suits concentrated
Avoid spreading the same suit across too many columns. Forty Thieves punishes loose organization — you cannot lift a whole messy stack later like in FreeCell or Yukon.
High-value habits
- Create one empty column before dealing deep into stock when possible.
- Prefer same-suit builds even when an off-suit park looks tempting.
- Use Hint to spot foundation sends you overlooked.
- Accept low win rates — treat each solved deal as a milestone.
Other hard modes
Take on Forty Thieves
Warm up on FreeCell or Scorpion, then open a Forty Thieves deal when you want a long puzzle.
