Spider Solitaire

A Challenging Web of Strategy and Excitement

I discovered Spider Solitaire much later than most, stumbling upon it after downloading a version on my first smartphone. I was instantly hooked - it offered a fascinating twist on the card games I'd played for years. Like many players, I started with one suit to learn the ropes, finding it the perfect balance of strategy and entertainment. These days, I'll venture into two-suit games when I'm feeling ambitious, though I'll admit I still shy away from four-suit versions (those are for the real Spider masters!). Now I've created this version to share the game I've grown to love, bringing that same engaging experience to wherever you want to play - your laptop, phone, tablet, or desktop computer. It's completely free at CardAndPuzzle.com, with no downloads or signups needed. Whether you're new to Spider like I was, or you're a seasoned player looking for a smooth, modern version of the game, you'll find this the perfect way to challenge your mind while unwinding.

The Set Up

Spider Solitaire is typically played with two standard 52-card decks without Jokers. Here's the basic game setup:

The Tableau: Ten columns of cards are displayed. The first four columns contain five cards each, and the remaining six columns contain four cards each. Only the top card of each column is face up.
The Stock: The remaining cards are placed face-down in the stock pile, dealt out 10 at a time when needed.
Foundation: Completed sequences of 13 cards (King to Ace) in the same suit are moved here automatically.
Suit Options: Choose between one suit (easiest), two suits (medium), or four suits (expert) for different challenge levels.

New to Spider or looking to improve? Read the complete Spider Solitaire Guide →

How to Play

The goal of Spider Solitaire is to clear all cards from the table by creating complete runs of cards in descending order from King to Ace in the same suit. Here’s how to play:

Moving Cards: Build descending sequences (e.g., 7-6-5) in the tableau. In one-suit games, any card can be placed on another that's one rank higher. In multi-suit games, only cards of the same suit can be moved as a sequence.
Uncovering Cards: When you move cards and reveal a face-down card, it automatically turns face up.
Empty Tableau: When a column is emptied, any card or proper sequence can be moved to fill the space.
Using the Stock: Click the stock pile to deal 10 new cards - one to each tableau pile. However, each column must contain at least one card before the stock can be dealt.
Completing Sequences: When you create a complete suited sequence from King to Ace, it automatically moves to a foundation pile, clearing space in your tableau.
Winning the Game: The game is won when all cards are removed from the tableau in complete runs.

The Options

Choose your difficulty level by selecting how many suits you want to play with. Simply tap the Game button to change the number of suits anytime. All versions are completely free and work beautifully on any device.

One Suit: Perfect for learning the game or a relaxing break – all cards are the same suit, making it easier to build sequences. Great for beginners!
Two Suits: A nice step up in challenge – juggle two different suits while building your sequences. Good for players who've mastered one suit.
Four Suits: The ultimate Spider Solitaire challenge! Use all four suits for the most complex and demanding version of the game. For expert players only!

The Scoring

In Spider Solitaire, every game starts with 500 points and your goal is to complete all eight sequences while keeping your score as high as possible. Here's how scoring works:

Points System

Starting Score: 500 points
Each move (including undos): -1 point
Completing a sequence: +100 points
Time bonus: +100 points for finishing in under 20 minutes; +200 points for finishing in under 10 minutes.

Strategy Guide

Create Empty Columns: Having an empty column gives you maximum flexibility - it's crucial for rearranging long sequences and organizing suits.
Build in Suit Order: Try to build sequences in the same suit whenever possible. This makes it easier to complete full sequences from King to Ace.
Expose Hidden Cards: Focus on moves that reveal face-down cards - the more cards you can see, the more options you have.
Use Stock Cards Wisely: Don't deal from the stock pile until you've exhausted all possible moves. Once you deal those 10 cards, you have to find a place for all of them!
Look Ahead: Before moving a sequence, check if the move might block access to other useful cards. Sometimes waiting to move a sequence can be better than moving it immediately.
Start Simple: Master one-suit games before moving to two suits. Each additional suit dramatically increases the complexity of the game.

Why Choose Spider Solitaire?

Multiple Challenges: Progress from one suit to four suits as your skills improve.
Strategic Depth: Master the art of building and moving multiple sequences at once.
Perfect for Learning: Start with one suit to learn, then advance at your own pace.
Endless Challenge: With four difficulty levels and endless combinations of sequences to build, each game brings a fresh strategic puzzle to solve.

Ready to Take on the Spider Challenge?

Whether you're new to Spider Solitaire or returning to an old favorite, there's always a new challenge waiting. Start with one suit to learn the basics, then see if you can master the legendary four-suit game. How many sequences can you complete? Deal your first game and find out!