How Josephine works
If Forty Thieves is too strict for you, this is the one to try.
- Layout. Ten columns of four cards, face up, from two decks. The other 64 cards are the stock.
- Building. Place a card on another of the same suit, one rank higher: a 5 of hearts on a 6 of hearts.
- Moving. Move one card, or a run in one suit and in order, as a group. Any card or run fills an empty column.
- Foundations. Eight piles, each built up in one suit from the Ace to the King.
- The stock. Turn one card at a time onto the waste. There is only one pass.
Tips for Josephine
- Build runs. A long run in one suit can be moved or sent home as a unit, so favour them.
- Empty a column. Any card goes into a gap, so it is the best resource on the table.
- Play before you draw. Use every column move before you turn a card from the stock.
- Use Undo. It is unlimited.
More games to try
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Josephine solitaire?
Two decks are dealt into ten columns of four cards, face up. Build down in the same suit, and move a run of cards together if they are in one suit and in order. Turn cards from the stock one at a time onto the waste. You can go through the stock once.
What is the difference between Josephine and Forty Thieves?
In Forty Thieves you can only move one card at a time. In Josephine you can also move a run of cards that are all one suit and in order, which makes it much easier.
How do you win Josephine?
Move all 104 cards to the eight foundations, each building up in one suit from the Ace to the King.
What goes into an empty column?
Any card, or a run of cards.
Can I go through the stock again?
No. There is one pass, so the waste cannot be turned over.
Is Josephine easier than Forty Thieves?
Yes, because you can reorganise runs. It is still a hard game with one pass, and many deals cannot be won.