How to Play Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular two-deck solitaire games. Deal cards across 10 columns and try to build complete King-to-Ace sequences of the same suit. Choose from 1-suit (easy), 2-suit (medium), or 4-suit (hard) difficulty.
📋 Rules
Setup
104 cards (two decks) are dealt into 10 columns — the first four columns get 6 cards, the remaining six get 5 cards. Only the top card of each column is face-up. 50 cards remain in the stock.
Moving Cards
You can move a card onto another card that is one rank higher, regardless of suit. However, only same-suit sequences can be moved as a group.
Completing Sequences
When you create a complete King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit within a column, it is automatically removed from the table. Complete all 8 sequences to win.
Dealing Stock
When stuck, click the stock pile to deal one new face-up card to each of the 10 columns. You cannot deal if any column is empty.
Difficulty Modes
1-suit uses only spades (easiest), 2-suit uses spades and hearts, and 4-suit uses all suits (hardest).
🧠 Strategy Tips
- Focus on building same-suit sequences. Mixed-suit builds are fine temporarily, but only same-suit sequences can be moved together or completed.
- Try to empty a column when possible — empty columns give you room to rearrange cards.
- Expose face-down cards whenever you can. Hidden cards limit your options.
- Plan ahead before dealing from the stock — a deal adds 10 cards and can disrupt your sequences.
- In 1-suit mode, every sequence will be the same suit, so focus on ordering. In 4-suit mode, suit management is critical.
- Don't rush to deal from stock — exhaust your current moves first.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Spider games are winnable?
In 1-suit mode, nearly all games are winnable. In 4-suit mode, only about 33% of deals are solvable, making it extremely challenging.
Why can't I deal from the stock?
You cannot deal from the stock if any tableau column is empty. Fill all empty columns first, then you can deal.
Which difficulty should I start with?
1-suit mode is perfect for beginners. Once you can win consistently, try 2-suit mode. 4-suit is for experienced players only.