Thieves of Egypt Solitaire is a fun two-deck card game that blends the challenge of Forty Thieves with the friendly mechanics of Klondike. This makes it perfect for casual players looking for something both engaging and forgiving. In Thieves of Egypt, all cards in the starting layout are dealt face-up in a distinctive pyramid-shaped tableau, giving the game its Egyptian theme and offering more immediate moves than many other solitaire games. As a result, this variation boasts a much higher win rate than classic Forty Thieves – with sources estimating that most deals (around 75–85%) are winnable by an average player.
One of the biggest appeals of Thieves of Egypt is that it’s easy to learn and very satisfying to play. The rules borrow familiar elements from the popular Klondike Solitaire (think alternating colors and moving card sequences) while using the two decks and multiple foundation piles of Forty Thieves. This combination creates a solitaire game that’s challenging enough to be interesting but far less frustrating than its predecessors. Newcomers won’t feel overwhelmed, and seasoned players will appreciate the strategic depth. Best of all, you can play Thieves of Egypt Solitaire online for free at SolitaireX.io – no downloads or sign-ups required. It’s a convenient way to enjoy this classic right in your browser, alongside other free solitaire games.
Brief History and Origin of the Game
Despite its exotic name, Thieves of Egypt is a modern solitaire creation rather than an ancient game. It was invented by Thomas Warfield, the author of the Pretty Good Solitaire software, as a variant of the classic Forty Thieves solitaire. Warfield introduced Thieves of Egypt in the 1990s as one of many new solitaire variations in his collection, aiming to craft a more approachable version of Forty Thieves. The name “Thieves of Egypt” pays homage to Forty Thieves (itself named after the Ali Baba folk tale) while also referencing the game’s unique pyramid-shaped layout – a nod to the pyramids of Egypt that gives the game its thematic flair.
From its introduction in digital solitaire collections, Thieves of Egypt quickly gained popularity for its enjoyable balance of difficulty. It maintains the spirit of Forty Thieves but with a few key changes that make it more player-friendly (such as allowing sequence moves and a one-time redeal). Over time, this game became a staple in many solitaire apps and websites. Today, it’s widely recognized and loved by solitaire enthusiasts. In fact, Thieves of Egypt is often listed in the Forty Thieves family of games and has inspired a few similar variants of its own (with names like King of Egypt, Alexandria, or Cleopatra appearing in some collections). Its enduring presence across various platforms speaks to how successful it has been at capturing players’ interest.
How to Play Thieves of Egypt Solitaire (Step-by-Step Guide)
Thieves of Egypt Solitaire might look unique, but learning to play is straightforward. The game uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total) and the goal is to move all cards onto eight foundation piles (built up from Ace to King by suit). Follow these step-by-step instructions on setup and rules to get started:
An example of the starting layout in Thieves of Egypt Solitaire, with 10 tableau columns arranged in a pyramid shape (1-3-5-7-9-10-8-6-4-2 cards in each column).
Setup the Tableau: Shuffle two decks of cards together. Deal 10 tableau piles in a pyramid-like arrangement: 1 card to the first pile, 3 cards to the second, 5 to the third, 7 to the fourth, 9 to the fifth, 10 cards to the sixth (middle) pile, then 8 to the seventh, 6 to the eighth, 4 to the ninth, and 2 to the tenth pile. All these 55 cards are dealt face-up, so you can see every card in the tableau from the start. The remaining 49 cards are set aside face-down as the stock pile. Also leave space for 8 foundation piles above the tableau – these start empty.
Foundations and Objective: Whenever an Ace becomes available (in any tableau pile or from the stock), move it to a foundation to start that pile. Foundations are built ascending in suit – i.e. after an Ace, you’ll place the 2 of the same suit, then 3, and so on up to King. The objective is to eventually move all 104 cards to these foundation piles, winning the game once each foundation has a full sequence Ace through King in suit. Always remember: moving cards to the foundation is how you progress toward victory, so don’t hesitate to send cards there when possible (especially low cards like Aces and Twos).
Tableau Moves: On the tableau, you build cards downward in rank, alternating colors (just like in Klondike). For example, you can move a black 7 onto a red 8, or a ♥10 onto a ♣J or ♠J. You may move one card at a time, or you can move a group of cards together if they are already in proper descending alternating order. This means if a sequence of cards is stacked in one pile (say Queen–Jack–10 of alternating colors), you can pick up the whole sequence and move it onto a valid card in another pile in one move. This ability to move sequences makes it easier to rearrange the tableau compared to classic Forty Thieves (which only allows moving one card at a time).
Empty Columns: If you clear a tableau column (i.e. move all its cards away), the empty space can only be filled by a King or a group of cards headed by a King. In other words, Kings are the only cards that can start a new tableau pile. This is another rule borrowed from Klondike. If you have a King available (from the tableau or waste), you can place it into an empty spot to open up new moves. Often you’ll want to free a column and immediately move a King there, as this can help uncover other cards and keep the game moving.
Using the Stock & Waste: When you’ve made all the moves you can with the tableau, draw from the stock. Click or flip the top card of the face-down stock pile – one card will be dealt face-up to the waste pile (also known as the discard pile). The top card of the waste is now in play: you can move this card to a foundation (if it fits the ascending suit sequence) or onto a tableau pile (if it fits the alternating color descending rule). If it doesn’t fit anywhere immediately, it stays in the waste pile (you might get a chance to play it later as you free up tableau spaces or uncover new moves). You can continue flipping cards from the stock one at a time, pausing whenever a useful card appears that you can play.
Redeal (One Pass Only): Unlike some harder games, Thieves of Egypt gives you a second chance with the stock. You are allowed one redeal in this game. This means that after you’ve flipped through all 49 stock cards, you can take all the cards left in the waste pile and flip them back over to form a new stock (keeping their order the same). To do this on the computer, you typically click the empty stock pile once it’s exhausted, and the waste cards will reset into a new stock. This effectively gives you two passes through the deck. Use this redeal wisely – it’s a huge help for a second try at playing any cards you had to pass up in the first cycle. Note that after the one allowed redeal, there are no further resets.
Continue Play & Win: Keep alternating between moving cards on the tableau and drawing from the stock. Whenever a foundation move is available (like an Ace or the next needed card in suit), make it – building up those foundations steadily brings you closer to winning. The game continues until either all cards are moved to the foundations (win!) or no more moves are possible. Because all tableau cards are visible from the start, you can strategize your moves with full information, which increases your chances of success. Thieves of Egypt is won when the tableau is cleared and each of the 8 foundation piles shows a King at the top, meaning they’ve been built from Ace through King in suit. If you reach a point where even after using the stock and redeal you cannot make any legal moves and not all cards are in foundations, then that deal is lost – but don’t be discouraged, you can always hit “New Game” and try again with a fresh deal!
Winning Conditions and Gameplay Flow
Winning at Thieves of Egypt Solitaire ultimately comes down to moving all 104 cards onto the eight foundations in the correct order. The winning condition is straightforward: each foundation pile (there are eight, one for each suit twice over) must be built up from Ace all the way to King. When every card has been transferred to the foundations, the game is won. In a completed game, you’ll see eight King cards on the foundation piles – a satisfying sight that means you successfully solved the puzzle!
The gameplay flow in Thieves of Egypt is dynamic but logical. At the start of the game, you have 55 cards face-up in the tableau, giving you lots of possible moves immediately. Typically, you’ll begin by scanning the tableau for any Aces or obvious descending sequences you can move. Early moves often include moving Aces to foundation and shifting cards to uncover lower-ranked cards (for example, moving a 6♠ onto a 7♥ to free a buried 5♠ underneath). Because all cards are visible from the outset, you can plan ahead – there’s no guesswork about what’s beneath a face-down card, unlike in Klondike Solitaire. This open information lets you develop a strategy from the very first move.
As the game progresses, you’ll alternate between tableau play and stock draws. A typical flow might look like this: make a few moves in the tableau (build down sequences, move cards to foundations), then when you get stuck, flip a stock card to the waste. If that card is playable, use it; if not, continue drawing until something useful appears. Each stock card essentially “comes into play” via the waste pile, and you integrate it into the tableau or foundations if possible. Remember that you only get one pass through the stock plus one redeal, so each card matters. It’s often wise not to race through the stock without carefully considering how to use each card – sometimes you might skip playing a waste card on the first pass, knowing you’ll get another chance after the redeal.
Throughout the game, keep an eye on the foundations and the tableau interplay. You want to free up critical cards (like Aces, Twos, or other low cards) and start foundation piles for each suit as soon as you can. Meanwhile, creating empty tableau columns at opportune moments can really open up your maneuverability. The flow tends to speed up toward the end: once a few foundation piles are mostly built, many remaining moves will cascade as you place card after card onto the foundations. If you manage your tableau well and use the stock efficiently, you’ll often find that the last phase of the game is simply moving the final sequence of cards into place for the win.
In summary, Thieves of Egypt has a smooth, logical flow: deal out the pyramid tableau, make moves to uncover and free up cards, use the stock when needed, take advantage of the one redeal, and gradually build all suits to King. Most games that are winnable will “reveal” themselves as you play — you’ll feel the game opening up after some careful moves. And thanks to the forgiving rules, you’ll find that victories come quite often in this solitaire compared to tougher games. That satisfying feeling of completing all eight foundations is what makes the journey worth it!
Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Success
Even though Thieves of Egypt is more forgiving than many solitaires, a bit of strategy can go a long way toward improving your winning chances and making the game more enjoyable. Here are some tips and tricks for success:
Always free your Aces (and Twos) ASAP: Get those foundation starters up top! The moment you see an Ace or a deuce that can go to the foundation, play it. There’s no benefit to leaving Aces buried in the tableau or waste. Moving them immediately clears space and opens the foundation for further building. Similarly, low cards like 2s are useless sitting in the tableau – they belong on foundations supporting the Aces.
Start each suit’s foundation early: Try to start at least one foundation pile for each suit relatively early in the game. By having all suits “open” and begun (with an Ace down), you ensure that you have somewhere to put the low cards of every suit as they become available. This balances your progress and prevents clogging the tableau with cards that have nowhere to go.
Turn up a stock card right away: At the very beginning of a game, it can help to flip the first stock card before making any moves. Seeing that one extra card in the waste gives you more information – it might even be a playable card that jump-starts your moves. This isn’t a mandatory move, but it often increases the options you have on your first turn, which can be a nice head start.
Prioritize uncovering “deep” cards: When choosing between two possible moves, pick the move that uncovers hidden (lower) cards in a tableau pile. For example, if you have a choice to move one of two Jacks onto two Queens, look at what each Jack is covering. Move the Jack that is sitting on a larger stack (or on a key low card) first. The idea is to expose new cards and especially to free up any buried Aces or low cards that are holding back your foundation progress.
Create empty columns (with a plan): Clearing a tableau column can greatly improve your maneuverability, but do it at the right time. Don’t empty a pile just for the sake of it – try to have a King ready to play into that space. An empty spot is most useful when immediately filled, ideally by a King that frees up yet another spot from where it came. Also, placing a King (especially a useful one covering important cards) into an empty column can allow you to subsequently move a whole sequence on top of it. Use empty columns as “parking spaces” to rearrange troublesome cards, but always keep track of where your available Kings are.
Use the first stock cycle to plan the second: Since you know you get one redeal, you can be strategic about the first pass through the stock. Don’t play a stock card immediately if playing it might clutter the tableau or if it’s not urgently needed. You can leave some cards in the waste on the first go, then on the redeal you’ll see them again and perhaps have better places to play them. Essentially, the first pass gives you knowledge of what’s in store – use that knowledge to set up the tableau in preparation for those cards when they come back around.
Think a few moves ahead: As with all solitaire games, a little foresight helps. Before making a move, especially one that involves moving a sequence or filling an empty column, consider how it will affect your next moves. For instance, if you empty a column and place a King, will that allow you to unveil an Ace on another pile, or are you potentially blocking a needed card? Try to plan sequences of moves rather than one move at a time. This game gives you a lot of information (with all cards visible), so take advantage of that by plotting out your strategy.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll find yourself winning even more often. Thieves of Egypt Solitaire is a game of skill as much as luck – smart decisions and patience will greatly improve your success rate. And remember, even if you lose a deal, you can always try again. Part of the fun is refining your strategy with each play!
Play Thieves of Egypt Solitaire Online at SolitaireX.io
One of the great things about Thieves of Egypt is that it’s readily available to play online. In fact, you can jump in and start a game right now on SolitaireX.io, which offers Thieves of Egypt among its collection of free solitaire games. SolitaireX.io provides a smooth, user-friendly interface where you can enjoy Thieves of Egypt Solitaire directly in your web browser – no download or signup needed. Simply head to the site, find Thieves of Egypt in the game list, and you’re one click away from playing.
On SolitaireX, you’ll get useful features ideal for casual gaming, like unlimited undo, hints, and the ability to select winnable deals (if you want an easier game). This means you can practice the strategies from this guide and have fun without frustration. The game is free to play, so you can start as many new rounds as you like until you conquer the thieves!
While you’re on SolitaireX.io, be sure to explore their other solitaire offerings too. If you enjoy Thieves of Egypt, you might also love other classic solitaire variations like Forty Thieves Solitaire (the original game that inspired Thieves of Egypt) or the ever-popular Klondike Solitaire (the familiar “classic” solitaire most people know). The site also features games like FreeCell, Spider, Pyramid, and many more, so you can easily find another favorite. Internal links on the site will guide you to rules and tips for each variation, helping you learn new games as you go. SolitaireX.io truly makes it convenient for casual gamers to enjoy free solitaire games online, all in one place.
So if you’re ready to put your newfound knowledge into practice, give Thieves of Egypt a try on SolitaireX.io. It’s a great way to relax, have fun, and test your card skills. Good luck, and happy playing!
Fun Facts and Trivia about Thieves of Egypt
Thieves of Egypt Solitaire comes with its own little quirks and interesting tidbits. Here are some fun facts and lesser-known trivia about the game that you might find intriguing:
Modern Invention: Unlike many classic solitaire games that date back to the 19th century, Thieves of Egypt is a contemporary creation. It was invented by Thomas Warfield in the late 20th century for his digital solitaire collection. That’s why you won’t find it in old card game books – it was born in the computer era!
Pyramid-Shaped Deal: The game’s name and theme were inspired by its unique pyramid-shaped tableau. Dealing the cards in a 1-3-5-7-9-10-8-6-4-2 pattern not only creates a triangular visual, but also distributes more cards onto the table (55 out of 104) than Forty Thieves does. This means more cards are in play from the start, which contributes to the game’s higher win rate and gives it that Egyptian flavor.
High Win Rate (Casual-Friendly): Speaking of win rate, Thieves of Egypt is known to be much easier to win than its notorious parent, Forty Thieves. Estimates range that roughly 75–85% of deals are winnable, a stark contrast to classic Forty Thieves where only around 10% of games are won by average players. This high success rate is a big reason casual gamers find the game enjoyable – victories are common and losing deals feel like the exception rather than the rule.
Mix of Two Worlds: The game is essentially a hybrid of Forty Thieves and Klondike rules. It falls under the Forty Thieves family (two decks, eight foundations) but adopts Klondike’s alternate-color building and sequence-moving freedom. This clever mix gives you the best of both worlds: the strategic depth of a two-deck game with the flexibility and familiarity of Klondike. No wonder it’s often recommended as a stepping stone for players who find Forty Thieves too hard but want a similar style of game.
Not to be Confused with Pyramid Solitaire: Despite the Egyptian theme, Thieves of Egypt is a completely different game from “Pyramid” solitaire. Pyramid (also sometimes called Tut’s Tomb) is a one-deck game where you remove cards in pairs that add up to 13. Thieves of Egypt, on the other hand, is all about building sequences on the tableau and foundations. The only thing they share is an Egyptian flavor. So if you mention pyramids and solitaire, remember that Thieves of Egypt refers to the tableau shape and not the Pyramid rule set!
Popular and Widely Available: Since its creation, Thieves of Egypt has become one of the most popular two-deck solitaire games on computers and mobile devices. It’s included in many solitaire compilations (often alongside other variants like Josephine or Forty Thieves) and is featured on numerous solitaire websites. Its popularity is due to its enjoyable balance – players feel challenged but not defeated. If you ask long-time solitaire fans, many will cite Thieves of Egypt as a favorite “go-to” game when they want a fair chance at winning and a relaxing play session.
Now that you know the history, rules, and some cool trivia about Thieves of Egypt Solitaire, you’re all set to enjoy this game to the fullest. Whether you’re filling a coffee break with a quick game or settling in for a longer relaxation session, Thieves of Egypt offers a perfect mix of strategy and fun. Enjoy the game, and may all your deals be lucky and winnable!
Happy Solitairing!