First, thirty-two cards each are dealt and arranged so that they form two columns of four rows (eight rows in total) of four cards each just as in Beleaguered Castle, making a point to leave room in between the two columns for the eight aces that form the bases of the foundations.

When a space occurs in the tableau, it can be filled by any available card.

When there are no available moves—or if the players has done all plays one can make—the stock is dealt one at a time.

The game is won when all cards end up in the foundations.

Other closely related games include Congress and Parliament, which are also two deck games in the style of Forty Thieves with tableaus of eight columns.