Forty Thieves Strategy: Tackle the Two-Deck Challenge

Forty Thieves is one of the harder two-deck solitaire games. With 104 cards and strict suit requirements, it takes a disciplined approach to win. Here's how the best players think.

Prioritize Building Same-Suit Sequences

Moving cards one at a time is slow enough without fighting against suit restrictions. Keep same-suit sequences together when you build them; it makes moving those stacks to the foundation so much easier.

Use Empty Columns as Temporary Holding Spots

Any card can go on an empty column, even briefly. Use empty columns to stage cards while you work on clearing a sequence elsewhere. Just don't forget they're there.

Watch the Waste Pile Carefully

The waste pile is easily overlooked but it's often the key to winning. The top waste card is always playable. If it doesn't fit anywhere on the tableau, that's information. What tableau card would accept it?

Accept That Not Every Game Is Winnable

Unlike FreeCell, Forty Thieves isn't always solvable. Some deals are lost from the start. Use undo to explore alternate lines of play, but know when to start a fresh game rather than force a dead deal.

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