Comparison
FreeCell vs Forty Thieves
| FreeCell | Forty Thieves | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | One deck | 2 decks |
| Suits | 4 | 4 |
| Typical length | 15 min | 25 min |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Hard |
| How much skill matters | High | High |
| How much the shuffle matters | Low | Low |
| Family | FreeCell family | 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.
FreeCell
Nearly every deal is winnable with the right plan — four free cells give just enough room to maneuver every card into place.
All 52 cards are dealt face up into eight columns — four of seven cards, four of six — so nothing is hidden from the first move. Four free cells sit alongside, each holding exactly one card.
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is harder, FreeCell or Forty Thieves?
- FreeCell is generally rated intermediate difficulty, while Forty Thieves is rated hard — so most players find one noticeably harder than the other.