How to play Spider Solitaire
The objective is to clear all 104 cards from the tableau. Build cards downward in rank, from King toward Ace. When a complete King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit is formed, that 13-card run is removed. Complete eight runs to win.
Spider Solitaire setup
The game uses two standard 52-card decks. Fifty-four cards begin in 10 tableau columns: the first four columns contain six cards each, and the remaining six contain five. Only the bottom card of each starting column is face up. The other 50 cards form five stock deals.
Rules for moving cards
- A face-up card can be placed on a card exactly one rank higher, regardless of suit.
- A group of cards can move together only when the whole group is in descending rank order and all cards in that moving group share the same suit.
- Any movable card or valid same-suit sequence can be placed in an empty column.
- When a face-down card becomes exposed, it turns face up automatically.
- A stock deal places one new face-up card on each of the 10 tableau columns. Standard play requires every column to contain at least one card before dealing.
- A complete same-suit sequence from King through Ace is removed automatically.
1 Suit vs 2 Suits vs 4 Suits
| Mode | Best for | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Suit | New players | All cards use one suit, so building movable sequences is easier. |
| 2 Suits | Intermediate players | Two suits make mixed stacks more likely and require more planning. |
| 4 Suits | Experienced players | All four suits are used, creating the traditional high-difficulty Spider challenge. |
If you are learning the game, begin with 1 Suit until you are comfortable creating empty columns and exposing hidden cards. Two-suit play is a useful next step before moving to the four-suit version.
Spider Solitaire strategy
Reveal face-down cards early
Moves that uncover hidden cards usually improve your options. When choosing between two legal moves, prefer the one that exposes a face-down card or helps empty a column.
Protect empty columns
An empty column is one of the most useful resources in Spider Solitaire because it can temporarily hold any movable card or same-suit sequence. Avoid filling it without a clear follow-up plan.
Build same-suit sequences when possible
Mixed-suit descending stacks are legal, but they are less flexible. Same-suit descending runs can move as a group, making them easier to reorganize later.
Use the stock only after checking the board
A new stock deal adds 10 cards and may cover useful sequences. Before dealing, check every column for moves that reveal cards, join same-suit runs or create an empty space.
Game controls
Click or tap a face-up card to select a movable sequence, then click or tap the destination column. On desktop, you can also drag a valid sequence to another column. Use Undo to reverse a move, Hint to highlight a legal option and Restart to replay the same deal.
Spider Solitaire FAQ
Is Spider Solitaire free to play?
Yes. This version runs directly in the browser and does not require a game download or account to start playing.
How many cards are used in Spider Solitaire?
Classic Spider Solitaire uses 104 cards, which is the equivalent of two standard 52-card decks.
Can I move a mixed-suit stack?
You can build individual cards downward on a different suit, but a multi-card sequence can move as one group only when its cards are in descending order and all share the same suit.
Can any card move into an empty column?
Yes. Any single face-up card or any valid movable same-suit descending sequence can be placed in an empty tableau column.
Why can’t I deal another row?
In standard Spider Solitaire, all 10 tableau columns must contain at least one card before you deal the next row from the stock.