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Download on Google Play- Use 2 standard decks (104 cards).
- Deal 10 columns: first 4 have 6 cards, remaining 6 have 5 cards, top cards face-up.
- Keep 50 remaining cards as stock in 5 groups of 10.
- Move cards in descending rank; only same-suit sequences move as a group.
- A complete King-to-Ace same-suit sequence is automatically removed.
- Deal 10 cards from the stock (one per column) when stuck; all columns must be non-empty.
- Fill empty columns with any card or sequence.
- Win by removing all 8 completed King-to-Ace sequences.
- 1-suit is easiest; 4-suit wins only about 33% of the time.
Rules
Spider Solitaire is a challenging patience game using two decks where players build descending sequences within the tableau. Complete sequences of King through Ace in a single suit are removed from play, and the goal is to clear all cards.
Objective
Remove all cards by building 8 complete descending sequences (King to Ace) of the same suit.
Setup
- Players: 1 player.
- Deck: 2 standard 52-card decks (104 cards).
- Tableau: 10 columns — first 4 columns have 6 cards, remaining 6 have 5 cards. Only top cards are face-up.
- Stock: 50 remaining cards in 5 groups of 10, dealt one per column when needed.
Gameplay
- Building: Move cards in descending rank order. Any card can go on a card one rank higher, but only same-suit sequences can be moved as a group.
- Completing Sequences: A full King-to-Ace sequence in one suit is automatically removed.
- Dealing Stock: When stuck, deal 10 more cards (one to each column) from the stock. All columns must be non-empty before dealing.
- Empty Columns: Any card or sequence can fill an empty column.
Difficulty Levels
- 1 Suit: Uses only Spades (easiest — great for learning).
- 2 Suits: Uses Spades and Hearts (moderate challenge).
- 4 Suits: Uses all four suits (hardest — requires expert play).
Tips and Strategies
- Focus on building same-suit sequences — mixed sequences cannot be moved together.
- Create empty columns as they provide crucial maneuvering space.
- Clear complete sequences as early as possible to simplify the board.
Tips & Strategy
Empty columns are your most valuable resource. Every major reorganization depends on having space to maneuver sequences temporarily.
Prioritize building in-suit sequences over out-of-suit ones, even if it means more moves. In-suit sequences can be moved as groups, providing flexibility.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The 4-suit version of Spider Solitaire has an estimated win rate of only about 1 in 3 games with optimal play, making it one of the hardest standard solitaire games.
How many complete sequences must be built to win Spider Solitaire?
History & Culture
Spider Solitaire gained worldwide fame through its inclusion in Microsoft Windows, becoming one of the most popular computer card games alongside Klondike and FreeCell.
Spider Solitaire is one of the most-played solitaire variants globally, particularly beloved for its deeper strategic requirements compared to Klondike.
Variations & House Rules
Spiderette uses a single deck for a quicker game. Scorpion is a similar game where all tableau cards start face-up.
Start with 1-suit Spider to learn the mechanics, then progress to 2-suit and finally 4-suit as your skill develops.
