Comparison
Golf vs Forty Thieves
| Golf | Forty Thieves | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | One deck | 2 decks |
| Suits | 4 | 4 |
| Typical length | 6 min | 25 min |
| Difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| How much skill matters | Low | High |
| How much the shuffle matters | High | Low |
| Family | Golf family | Standalone |
| Good for beginners | Yes | 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.
Golf
Clear seven tableau columns by playing cards one rank higher or lower than the current waste card.
Seven columns of five cards are dealt face up, and one card starts the foundation. Play the exposed card at the bottom of any column onto the foundation whenever it is one rank above or below the current foundation card — suit is irrelevant.
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, Golf or Forty Thieves?
- Golf is generally rated easy difficulty, while Forty Thieves is rated hard — so most players find one noticeably harder than the other.