How to Play Spider Solitaire
Master the classic card game with our complete guide to rules, layout, and winning strategies.
Game Objective
The goal of Spider Solitaire is to arrange all cards into complete sequences from King down to Ace within the same suit. When you complete a full sequence (K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A), that pile is automatically moved to the foundation and removed from play.
You win when all eight complete sequences have been built and moved to the foundation piles. The game uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total), giving you eight possible complete sequences to build.
Card Layout
The Tableau (10 Columns)
The main playing area consists of 10 columns of cards. At the start, 54 cards are dealt across these columns. The first four columns receive 6 cards each, while the remaining six columns receive 5 cards each. Only the top card in each column is face-up; all others are face-down.
The Stock (50 Cards)
The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile in the bottom-right corner. When you run out of moves, you can deal 10 new cards from the stock (one to each column). You can only deal from the stock when every column has at least one card.
Foundation Piles (8 Total)
Completed sequences automatically move to the foundation area. Since you use two decks, you need to build 8 complete King-to-Ace sequences to win. These piles are typically shown at the top or bottom of the screen.
Basic Rules
- 01Move cards in descending order. You can place any card on top of a card that is exactly one rank higher. For example, a 7 can be placed on an 8.
- 02Same-suit sequences move together. You can move multiple cards at once only if they form a descending sequence of the same suit. Mixed-suit sequences cannot be moved as a group.
- 03Any card can fill an empty column. When a column becomes empty, you can move any card or valid same-suit sequence into that space. Empty columns are extremely valuable for maneuvering.
- 04Reveal face-down cards. When you move a card that was covering a face-down card, the face-down card automatically flips over. Uncovering hidden cards is key to winning.
- 05Complete sequences are removed. When you build a complete King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit, it automatically moves to the foundation.
- 06Deal new cards when stuck. Click the stock pile to deal 10 new cards (one per column). All columns must have at least one card before you can deal.
Difficulty Levels
1 Suit (Easy)
Uses only Spades. Since all cards are the same suit, every sequence you build can be moved as a group. This is perfect for learning the game mechanics.
Win rate: approximately 80-90% with good strategy
2 Suits (Medium)
Uses Spades and Hearts. Now you must be more careful about which cards you stack together. Mixed-suit sequences are harder to untangle later.
Win rate: approximately 30-40% with good strategy
4 Suits (Hard)
Uses all four suits. This is the original and most challenging version of Spider Solitaire. Every move matters, and you need to plan several moves ahead.
Win rate: approximately 10-15% even with expert play
Strategy Tips
Prioritize uncovering face-down cards
Your first priority should always be revealing hidden cards. More visible cards mean more options and better decisions.
Keep columns empty
Empty columns are your most powerful tool. Use them as temporary storage to reorganize sequences and access buried cards.
Build same-suit sequences when possible
While you can stack any cards in descending order, same-suit sequences are much more flexible. Avoid mixing suits unless necessary.
Focus on one or two suits first
In 4-suit games, try to complete sequences in one or two suits first. This frees up space and simplifies the remaining game.
Think before dealing new cards
Only deal from the stock when you have no productive moves left. New cards can block your sequences and fill empty columns.
Be patient with Kings
Kings can only go in empty columns. Avoid moving Kings prematurely; wait until you have a clear plan for building a complete sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every Spider Solitaire game winnable?+
No, not every deal is winnable. In 4-suit Spider Solitaire, only about 1 in 3 games are theoretically solvable. However, most losses are due to player decisions rather than impossible deals. With perfect play, your win rate can reach 10-15% in 4-suit mode.
Can I move cards of different suits together?+
You can stack cards of different suits in descending order, but you cannot move mixed-suit sequences as a group. Only cards of the same suit in a descending sequence can be moved together. This is why building same-suit sequences is so important.
What happens when I complete a sequence?+
When you build a complete King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit, those 13 cards are automatically removed from the tableau and placed in the foundation. This frees up space and brings you closer to winning. You need to complete 8 such sequences to win.
When should I deal new cards from the stock?+
Deal new cards only when you have exhausted all useful moves. Before dealing, try to create at least one empty column if possible. Remember that dealing will place one card on each column, which can block your progress if not timed well.
Why can I not deal when I have an empty column?+
Spider Solitaire rules require every column to have at least one card before you can deal from the stock. If you have an empty column, you must move a card or sequence into it first. This rule adds strategic depth to the game.
What is the best difficulty level for beginners?+
Start with 1-suit Spider Solitaire. This lets you focus on learning the mechanics without worrying about suit matching. Once you can consistently win 1-suit games, move to 2 suits, then finally challenge yourself with the full 4-suit game.
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