The Goal
Build eight complete sequences from King (K) down to Ace (A) in the same suit. When a complete sequence is formed in one of the 10 columns, it is automatically removed to the foundation. Complete all eight sequences to win the game.
Setting Up
Spider Solitaire uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total). At the start, 54 cards are dealt face-down into 10 columns: the first 4 columns receive 6 cards each, and the remaining 6 columns receive 5 cards each. Only the top card of each column is turned face-up. The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile in the top-left corner.
Moving Cards
You can move a face-up card onto another card that is exactly one rank higher, regardless of suit. For example, a 7 of any suit can be placed on an 8 of any suit. However, only a same-suit descending sequence can be moved together as a group. Any card or valid sequence can be placed into an empty column, which acts as a free workspace.
Dealing from the Stock
When you run out of useful moves, tap the stock pile to deal one new face-up card onto each column. Before dealing, all empty columns must have at least one card. The stock can be dealt 5 times total (50 cards ÷ 10 columns). Plan carefully — each deal adds complexity to the layout.
Difficulty Levels
1 Suit uses only Spades, making every card movable as a group. This is the best mode for beginners learning the game mechanics. 2 Suits adds Hearts, requiring you to manage two different suits and plan sequences more carefully. 4 Suits is the classic full Spider Solitaire with all four suits — Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs — and is the most demanding version of the game.
Winning Tips & Strategies
- Prioritize uncovering face-down cards. Every hidden card is a potential blocker. Work on the columns with the most face-down cards first.
- Empty columns are your most powerful resource. Use them as temporary storage to rearrange sequences and uncover critical cards.
- Build same-suit sequences whenever possible. Even if a mixed-suit sequence is available, pure same-suit sequences give you far more flexibility.
- Think three steps ahead before placing a card. A convenient move now can block a critical sequence later. Use the undo button (Ctrl+Z) freely to test ideas.
- Do not rush to deal from the stock. Each deal adds 10 new cards that can bury progress. Only deal when genuinely stuck with no useful moves.
- In 4 Suit mode, sometimes you must accept a mixed-suit sequence temporarily to keep the game moving. Focus on keeping columns open for reorganization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of Spider Solitaire?
Build eight complete same-suit sequences from King down to Ace. Each completed sequence moves automatically to the foundation.
When can I deal new cards?
You can deal from the stock only when every tableau column has at least one card.
What is the easiest difficulty?
1 Suit is the easiest mode because all cards are Spades and sequences are simpler to move.
Can I move a mixed-suit sequence as a group?
No. You can stack mixed suits by rank, but only a same-suit descending sequence can be moved together. Mixed-suit stacks must be moved one card at a time.
How many times can I deal from the stock?
Five times. The stock contains 50 cards (two decks minus the 54 dealt initially), and each deal places one card on each of the 10 columns, so 50 ÷ 10 = 5 deals.
What is the difference between Spider Solitaire and regular Solitaire (Klondike)?
Spider Solitaire uses two decks (104 cards), has no foundation-building during play, and completes sequences in place. Klondike uses one deck, builds foundations by suit from Ace up, and draws from a stock one or three at a time. Spider is generally more strategic.