What is the Win Rate for Forty Thieves Solitaire?
10% Win Rate (1 in 10)
Forty Thieves (also called "Napoleon at St. Helena") is a two-deck Solitaire variant known for its punishing difficulty. Only the most skilled players win consistently.
Why Forty Thieves is So Difficult
Multiple restrictions combine to create extreme difficulty:
- Single-card moves only: You cannot move sequences—only one card at a time
- Same-suit building: Must build down by suit on the tableau
- One pass through stock: You get exactly one cycle through the deck
- 104 cards: Two full decks creates more complexity
- 10 columns: Larger tableau but more cards to manage
Historical Legend
Also known as "Napoleon at St. Helena," legend says Napoleon Bonaparte played this patience game during his final exile on the island of St. Helena. Whether true or not, the name stuck—fitting for a game that requires strategic patience!
Critical Strategy: Empty Columns
Empty columns are the ONLY way to manipulate cards in Forty Thieves:
- You can place ANY single card in an empty column
- This lets you temporarily store cards to access buried ones
- Focus on clearing 1-2 columns early in the game
- Protect your empty columns—don't fill them carelessly
Forty Thieves vs Josephine
Josephine Solitaire is a related variant with relaxed rules:
| Feature | Forty Thieves | Josephine |
|---|---|---|
| Win Rate | 10% | 15-20% |
| Move Sequences? | No (single cards only) | Yes (same-suit sequences) |
| Building | Same suit, down | Same suit, down |