How to Play Spider Solitaire: Rules & Strategies
Spider Solitaire is a popular and challenging variation of Solitaire. Unlike classic Solitaire, Spider Solitaire is played with two standard decks of cards (104 cards total). The goal is to build descending sequences of cards from King to Ace of the same suit. Once a full run of King down to Ace is formed, it is removed from the board. Clearing all 8 runs wins the game!
Spider Solitaire is available on our site in three modes: 1 Suit (Spades - Easy), 2 Suits (Hearts & Spades - Medium), and 4 Suits (Hard).
1. The Spider Solitaire Board Setup
The game board consists of three areas:
- The Tableau (10 Columns): The first four columns contain 6 cards each, and the remaining six columns contain 5 cards each. The top card of each column is face up.
- The Stock Pile: Located in the top-left corner, it holds the remaining 50 cards. Clicking this deals one card to each of the 10 Tableau columns.
- Completed Foundations: A slot tracking completed runs (13 cards, King down to Ace of the same suit).
2. Card Stacking and Movement Rules
Moving cards in Spider Solitaire follows these conditions:
- Stacking Any Suit: You can place any card on top of another card that is one rank higher, regardless of suit. For example, you can place a 6 of Hearts on a 7 of Spades.
- Moving Same-Suit Groups: You can only drag multiple cards together if they form a descending run of **the exact same suit**. For example, you can drag a `7-6-5` stack of Spades together, but you cannot drag a `7 of Spades` + `6 of Hearts` together.
- Empty Columns: Any card (or valid same-suit stack) can be moved into an empty Tableau column.
- Dealing from Stock: When you run out of moves, deal a new round from the Stock. **Important:** You can only deal a new round if there are no empty columns on the board. You must place at least one card in every column first!
3. Core Strategies to Win
Strategy A: Expose Face-Down Cards
Move cards to uncover face-down cards in the columns as quickly as possible. This reveals new paths and opens up the grid.
Strategy B: Prioritize Same-Suit Builds
While you can stack different suits to clear a blockage, try to build same-suit sequences. Stacking different suits locks those columns, as they cannot be dragged together later. Clean up mixed columns when opportunities arise.
Strategy C: Create Empty Columns
An empty column is your most powerful tool. It allows you to temporarily hold cards while rearranging messy piles. Protect empty columns and use them to untangle mixed runs.
Summary
Spider Solitaire is a deep test of logic. By organizing cards by suit, creating empty columns, and planning deals, you can conquer even the hardest 4-suit mode. Play a round on our site now!