Spider Solitaire is played with two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total) dealt into 10 columns. The goal is to build eight complete same-suit sequences from King down to Ace. The rules are simple to learn but deep in strategy, especially at the 4 Suit difficulty level. This page covers every rule you need to play Spider Solitaire correctly, from the initial deal to the final winning sequence.
Equipment and Setup
Spider Solitaire uses two standard 52-card decks combined into one pile of 104 cards. At the start of the game, 54 cards are dealt face-down into 10 columns (called the tableau). 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, placed in the top-left corner of the playing area. The eight foundation slots (where completed sequences go) start empty.
Card Movement Rules
You can move a face-up card onto another face-up 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 (for example, 7-6-5 all of Spades) can be moved together as a group. Mixed-suit sequences cannot be moved as a group — they must be moved one card at a time. Any single card or valid sequence can be placed into an empty column, which acts as a free workspace. A King can only be placed into an empty column since no card ranks above it.
Dealing from the Stock
When you run out of useful moves on the tableau, you can deal from the stock pile. Tapping the stock deals one new face-up card onto each of the 10 columns. Before dealing, every column must have at least one card — if any column is empty, you must fill it first. The stock contains 50 cards, and each deal uses 10 cards (one per column), so you can deal from the stock exactly 5 times during a game. Plan carefully, because each deal adds complexity to the layout and can bury existing progress.
Completing Sequences and Winning
When you build a complete same-suit sequence from King (K) down to Ace (A) in a single column, it is automatically removed to the foundation. Each completed sequence frees up the column it occupied, giving you more workspace. To win the game, you must complete all eight same-suit King-to-Ace sequences. The game ends in a loss if you run out of moves and cannot deal from the stock (either because the stock is empty or because a column is empty and cannot be filled).
- ✓ Complete official Spider Solitaire rules
- ✓ Setup, movement, dealing, and winning explained
- ✓ Rules apply to all difficulty levels
- ✓ Clear, concise reference for new and experienced players
Frequently Asked Questions
How many decks are used in Spider Solitaire?
Two standard 52-card decks, combined into one pile of 104 cards.
Can I move mixed-suit sequences 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, and each deal places one card on each of the 10 columns, so 50 ÷ 10 = 5 deals.
What happens when I complete a King-to-Ace sequence?
The complete same-suit sequence is automatically removed to the foundation, and the column it occupied becomes available as free workspace.
How do I win Spider Solitaire?
Complete all eight same-suit King-to-Ace sequences. Each completed sequence moves to the foundation automatically.