Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular single-player card games in the world. It’s a challenging, strategic puzzle that requires patience, careful thinking, and a bit of foresight. Whether you’re completely new to the game or have tried it before but never fully understood it, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to play Spider Solitaire and enjoy it to the fullest.
Spider Solitaire is a variation of the traditional Solitaire game but is considered more complex and strategic. The name “Spider” comes from the eight-legged nature of a spider, symbolizing the eight foundation piles you need to fill to win the game.
It’s played with two decks of cards, totaling 104 cards. Depending on your skill level, you can choose to play with one suit (easy), two suits (medium), or all four suits (hard).
The goal is to arrange all the cards in descending order from King to Ace in the same suit (e.g., K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A). Once a full sequence is completed, it is removed from the tableau. The game ends when all cards are cleared.
At the beginning of the game:
10 columns of cards are dealt on the board.
The first four columns contain 6 cards each.
The remaining six columns contain 5 cards each.
Only the top card in each column is face-up; the rest are face-down.
The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile to be used later in the game.
You can only move cards that are face-up.
Cards must be arranged in descending order (e.g., 9 over 10, 3 over 4).
You can move a sequence of cards only if they are in the same suit.
You can place any card or sequence onto an empty column.
When you're out of moves or want to add more cards, click the draw pile, which deals one new card to each column (but only if all columns have at least one card).
Spider Solitaire can be tricky, especially with more suits involved. These tips can help you improve your gameplay:
Try to build full sequences of the same suit from King to Ace. Avoid mixing suits within columns, as you won’t be able to move those sequences together.
Every move should aim to reveal the face-down cards. The more open cards you have, the more options you get.
An empty column gives you the flexibility to move entire sequences. Prioritize creating an empty column early in the game and use it wisely.
Don’t rush to click the draw pile. Make sure all columns are as ordered as possible before introducing new cards, or you may end up with a mess that’s hard to clean up.
Most digital versions of the game allow you to undo moves. If you're unsure about a move, try different approaches to find the most effective path forward.
Besides being an entertaining pastime, Spider Solitaire also offers cognitive benefits:
Improves concentration and focus
Encourages strategic thinking
Enhances memory and planning
Reduces stress and provides relaxation
Many players find it a great way to unwind after a long day while also engaging their brains.
Spider Solitaire can be played online via web browsers or as a mobile app. Most versions are free and require no registration. Mobile apps often come with added features like daily challenges, themes, and difficulty settings.
If you’re just starting, it’s recommended to begin with the one-suit version. Once you're comfortable, try two suits and eventually work your way up to the full four-suit challenge.
Stacking cards of mixed suits just to move something – it will block your future moves.
Ignoring empty columns – they are your key to strategic movement.
Drawing too soon – always clean up the board first.
Focusing on one column too much – keep an eye on the entire tableau.
Spider Solitaire is more than just a card game it's a mental workout wrapped in a calm, satisfying package. Once you understand the mechanics and develop your strategies, it becomes incredibly rewarding to complete a full suit and watch it vanish from the board.
Whether you're playing during a lunch break, winding down in the evening, or looking to sharpen your mind, Spider Solitaire is a timeless classic worth mastering.
Start with a simple version, be patient, and remember every move counts!