What Is Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire is a classic, strategic single-player card game known for its challenging and engaging gameplay. Unlike simpler solitaire games, Spider is played with two full decks and requires careful planning and patience to win. The goal is to build complete sequences of cards in descending order, which then disappear from the board—like cleaning a complex web. Its popularity soared when it became a standard game on Microsoft Windows, introducing it to millions of players worldwide.
Spider Solitaire Objective
The aim is to clear all cards from the main playing area (the tableau) by forming complete sets.
How to Win Spider Solitaire
You win by creating eight complete descending sequences—from King down to Ace—all within the same suit. Once such a sequence is built, it is automatically removed from the tableau. The game is won when all 104 cards have been cleared in this way.
Completed Suits and Foundation Rules
There are no traditional foundation piles you manually move cards to. Instead, when you successfully assemble 13 cards of the same suit in order (K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A), the entire stack instantly moves to a foundation area. Your screen clears up as you complete each suit.
Spider Solitaire Setup Explained
The game begins with 104 cards (two standard 52-card decks).
- Tableau: 10 columns of cards are dealt face down on the main board.
- The first 4 columns from the left have 6 cards each.
- The remaining 6 columns have 5 cards each.
- Only the top card in each column is turned face-up.
- Stock: The remaining 50 cards are placed in the stock pile (usually in the top-left corner), ready to be dealt.
How to Play Spider Solitaire Step by Step
Making Your First Moves
- Scan the board for any face-up cards that can be placed on another card of the next highest rank.
- For example, you can move a 9 onto a 10, or a Queen onto a King.
- Your first priority should be moves that reveal a face-down card, as this gives you more options.
Creating and Completing Full Sequences
- Focus on building sequences where cards are both in descending order and of the same suit.
- You can move an entire stack of same-suit, in-order cards as one unit.
- Once a full King-to-Ace sequence of one suit is assembled, it vanishes, clearing space.
Using Empty Columns Strategically
- When you move all cards out of a column, it becomes empty.
- An empty column is a powerful tool. You can place any single card or valid same-suit sequence there.
- Use empty columns to temporarily hold cards so you can access and flip the face-down cards beneath them.
When and How to Deal New Cards
- When you’re stuck, you can deal new cards from the stock pile.
- Clicking the stock will add one new face-up card to the bottom of every column on the board.
- Crucial Rule: You can only deal new cards when every column has at least one card in it. If you have an empty column, you must fill it before dealing.
- Use deals strategically, as they can bury important cards.
Spider Solitaire Rules
- Card Movement: You can move a face-up card onto another card that is one rank higher (e.g., a 5 on a 6). The suit doesn’t matter for single moves.
- Sequence Movement: You can only move a sequence of multiple cards if they are all of the same suit and in perfect descending order.
- Empty Columns: You may place any legal single card or valid same-suit sequence into an empty column.
- Winning: Remove all cards from the tableau by completing eight full-suited sequences.
Spider Solitaire Difficulty Levels
One Suit Spider Solitaire (Beginner)
Uses only Spades from both decks. All cards are the same suit, so you can move any in-order sequence freely. Perfect for learning the basics.
Two Suit Spider Solitaire (Intermediate)
Uses Spades and Hearts. Introduces the challenge of managing two colors. You must pay closer attention to suit when building movable sequences.
Four Suit Spider Solitaire (Expert)
Uses all four suits (Spades, Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds). This is the full, classic challenge. It requires meticulous planning and is very difficult to win.
Best Spider Solitaire Tips and Strategies
- Uncover Hidden Cards First: Always prioritize moves that flip a face-down card.
- Build in the Same Suit: Focus on creating same-suit descending stacks, even if short. They are your primary tool for rearranging the board.
- Save Your Empty Columns: An empty column is a huge asset. Don’t fill it without a good reason. Use it to access buried cards.
- Delay Dealing: Don’t deal new cards from the stock the moment you can. Try to expose as many face-down cards and create empty columns before dealing, as the new cards can complicate the board.
- Plan Your Kings: Be careful where you place Kings, as they can only go into an empty column and can block a column if placed poorly.
Spider Solitaire FAQs
Is Spider Solitaire Always Winnable?
No. A significant percentage of deals, especially in the Four Suit version, are unwinnable due to the random shuffle. Skill increases your chances, but luck of the draw is a major factor.
What Is the Best Difficulty Level for Beginners?
Absolutely start with One Suit. It teaches all the mechanics without the added complexity of multiple suits. Move to Two Suit once you win consistently.
How Long Does a Typical Game Take?
A One Suit game can take 5-15 minutes. A Four Suit game can easily take 30 minutes to over an hour for a careful, strategic player.
Difference Between Spider Solitaire and Classic Solitaire
| Feature | Spider Solitaire | Klondike (Classic) Solitaire |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | Two (104 cards) | One (52 cards) |
| Goal | Build 8 King-to-Ace sequences in-suit | Build 4 Ace-to-King foundations by suit |
| Tableau | 10 columns, cards dealt face down | 7 columns, with face-up/face-down mix |
| Stock | 50 cards, dealt 10 at a time | 24 cards, flipped 1 or 3 at a time |
| Complexity | Generally considered more strategic | Generally considered more luck-dependent |
Play Spider Solitaire Online for Free
Benefits of Playing Spider Solitaire Online
- Hint & Undo Features: Invaluable for learning strategy and recovering from mistakes.
- Statistics: Track your win rates and best times.
- Multiple Variants: Instantly switch between difficulty levels.
- Accessibility: Play anytime, anywhere, without a physical deck.
Mobile vs Desktop Spider Solitaire Experience
- Mobile (Phone/Tablet): Great for quick, casual games on the go. Touch controls are intuitive for dragging cards. Ideal for short sessions.
- Desktop (PC/Mac): Superior for serious, strategic play. The larger screen allows you to see the entire complex board at once, making it easier to plan several moves ahead and avoid errors.
