Comparison
Forty Thieves vs Scorpion
| Forty Thieves | Scorpion | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Low |
| Family | Standalone | Standalone |
| 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.
Scorpion
Move any card onto any other regardless of sequence, then untangle same-suit runs across seven columns.
Seven columns of seven, with some cards face down in the first four. Columns build down by suit, and the rule that defines the game is which cards you may take: any face-up card, from anywhere in a column, along with every card stacked on top of it — however disordered those are.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is harder, Forty Thieves or Scorpion?
- Forty Thieves is generally rated hard difficulty, while Scorpion is rated hard — the two are broadly comparable in difficulty.