GAME GUIDE
Forty Thieves
Two decks, forty thieves, strict foundations.
01 · UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLE
Essential rules
Objective
Two decks, forty thieves, strict foundations.
Variant played: Two decks · eight foundations · one card at a time
- Players
- 1
- Duration
- 10–30 min
- Deck
- 104 cards
Play down onto the same suit
The moved card must be immediately lower and of the same suit as the destination card.
Build a foundation
A foundation starts with the Ace and builds up in the same suit to the King. After A♥ then 2♥, 3♥ can be placed; 3♣ does not work.
Move one card
In this variant, only the top card of a column or the discard pile moves. A sequence does not move as a group.
Fill an empty column
An empty column accepts any accessible card, with no need to start with a King.
Draw without recycling
Each deal turns a card onto the discard pile. Only its top card is accessible. The stock is not recycled in this variant: set up your spaces before drawing.
Distinguish the eight foundations
The two decks produce eight foundations: two per suit. Each builds from Ace to King, without mixing two copies of the same rank on the same level.
Detailed rules
Variant played: Two decks · eight foundations · one card at a time · Version 1.0.0
The essentials to get started
Two decks, forty thieves, strict foundations.
Play down onto the same suit
The moved card must be immediately lower and of the same suit as the destination card.
Build a foundation
A foundation starts with the Ace and builds up in the same suit to the King. After A♥ then 2♥, 3♥ can be placed; 3♣ does not work.
Move one card
In this variant, only the top card of a column or the discard pile moves. A sequence does not move as a group.
Fill an empty column
An empty column accepts any accessible card, with no need to start with a King.
Draw without recycling
Each deal turns a card onto the discard pile. Only its top card is accessible. The stock is not recycled in this variant: set up your spaces before drawing.
Distinguish the eight foundations
The two decks produce eight foundations: two per suit. Each builds from Ace to King, without mixing two copies of the same rank on the same level.
The table guides you through each turn and suggests the legal moves. This guide presents the basic rules; regional variants may differ.
02 · Cards to inspect
Cards to inspect
Look at the ranks and suits of these cards.
VIDEO ACTIONSView every type of move
Play down onto the same suit
1 / 6Preparing cards…
Read the steps in this demo
- Spot the leading card in the move.
- Play the 8♠ under the 9♠.
- The column descends in the same suit.
Cards to inspect
01 · Situation
Spot the leading card in the move.
The moved card must be immediately lower and of the same suit as the destination card.
Teaching example · playable table cards