Comparison
Klondike (Draw Three) vs Forty Thieves
| Klondike (Draw Three) | Forty Thieves | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | One deck | 2 decks |
| Suits | 4 | 4 |
| Typical length | 12 min | 25 min |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Hard |
| How much skill matters | High | High |
| How much the shuffle matters | Medium | Low |
| Family | Klondike 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.
Klondike (Draw Three)
The stricter Klondike variant: the stock deals three cards at a time, and only the top card is playable.
Everything is standard Klondike — seven columns of ascending length, build down in alternating colours, four foundations up by suit, Kings into empty columns. The one change is the stock: it turns three cards at a time and only the topmost of the three is playable.
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, Klondike (Draw Three) or Forty Thieves?
- Klondike (Draw Three) is generally rated intermediate difficulty, while Forty Thieves is rated hard — so most players find one noticeably harder than the other.