Comparison
Forty Thieves vs Canfield
| Forty Thieves | Canfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | 2 decks | One deck |
| Suits | 4 | 4 |
| Typical length | 25 min | 15 min |
| Difficulty | Hard | Hard |
| How much skill matters | High | High |
| How much the shuffle matters | Low | Medium |
| Family | Standalone | Canfield family |
| Good for beginners | No | No |
We have not written a verdict for this pairing. The comparison above is drawn from each game's own recorded facts — follow either link for its full rules and strategy.
Forty Thieves
Build strict same-suit sequences across ten columns dealt from two decks — one of the toughest classic patience games.
Two decks are dealt face up into ten columns of four, so the whole tableau is visible from the start. Columns build downward strictly by suit — a seven of hearts takes only the six of hearts — and eight foundations build each suit up from Ace to King.
Canfield
Foundations start on a random rank instead of Aces, and a 13-card reserve pile adds real strategic pressure.
Thirteen cards go face down into a reserve with only the top one showing, four columns are dealt, and one card goes up to start the foundations — whatever rank that card happens to be becomes the base rank for all four. Columns build down in alternating colours and turn the corner, so a King can go onto an Ace; foundations build up in suit and wrap the same way.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is harder, Forty Thieves or Canfield?
- Forty Thieves is generally rated hard difficulty, while Canfield is rated hard — the two are broadly comparable in difficulty.