Spider Solitaire is a classic card game played with two standard decks (104 cards). The goal is to build eight complete sequences from King down to Ace in the same suit within the tableau. You move cards in descending order (King to Ace); only sequences of the same suit can be moved together. Empty columns can hold any card. When you're stuck, deal a new row of ten cards from the stock. The game is won when all eight full sequences are completed and removed.
Spider Solitaire rewards patience and planning. Unlike pure luck-based games, skilled players win more often by exposing hidden cards early and keeping columns flexible. Many players enjoy the 1-suit (easier) and 4-suit (harder) variants — our game supports both so you can choose your challenge.
This version uses the same dark-green theme and Spanish-style cards as our Golf Solitaire. Play free in your browser — no download or signup required.
Spider Solitaire's exact origins are debated, but it became widely known in the United States in the 1940s. The name "Spider" likely refers to the eight foundation piles (like a spider's legs) or the way cards spread across the tableau.
Microsoft included Spider Solitaire in Windows XP and later versions, introducing millions to the game. It quickly became one of the most-played computer card games. Today it remains a top choice for solitaire fans who want a deeper, more strategic challenge than Klondike.
Two standard 52-card decks are used (104 cards). Ten columns are dealt: the first four columns have six cards each (four face-down, two face-up), and the last six columns have five cards each (four face-down, one face-up). The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile.
You may place a card on another card only if it is one rank lower and of any suit (e.g. 7 on 8). You can move a single card or a group of cards that form a valid same-suit sequence in descending order. Moving a group keeps them together.
An empty column can hold any single card or valid same-suit sequence. Use empty columns to temporarily hold cards so you can reach cards underneath in other columns. Empty space is very valuable — use it wisely.
When no moves are available (or you choose to), deal one new card from the stock to the bottom of each of the ten columns. You can do this up to five times per game (with 50 cards, that's five rows of ten). After the stock is empty, you cannot deal again.
When you complete a full sequence from King down to Ace in one suit, it is automatically removed from the tableau. Your goal is to clear all eight such sequences. Once removed, that pile is done.
You win when all eight sequences have been completed and removed. You lose when the stock is empty and there are no legal moves. Not every deal is winnable, but good strategy greatly improves your chances.
Spider Solitaire rewards planning. These strategies help you win more often and feel more in control:
Cards buried under others are useless until exposed. Prioritize moves that flip face-down cards so you have more options. Emptying a column is powerful because you can then place any card there to access the cards below in other columns.
Before dealing from the stock, try to expose as many new cards as possible. Dealing adds cards on top of columns and can bury what you need.
Only same-suit sequences can be moved as a block. Mixing suits in a column locks those cards in place until you remove them one by one. When you have a choice, build in a single suit so you can move the whole sequence later.
Keep at least one or two columns that are mostly one suit — they become your "run" columns for completing sequences.
You only get five deals per game. Once you deal, new cards go on every column and can block progress. Only deal when you truly have no moves left, and try to expose and use as many cards as possible before dealing.
Sometimes a move exists that isn't obvious — scan all columns and consider moving partial sequences to create new options before dealing.
An empty column is a temporary holding area. Use it to free a card you need from under a stack, then refill the column. Avoid filling an empty column with a random card unless it helps you expose something important.
In 4-suit Spider, empty columns are even more valuable because unmoving mixed-suit stacks are common. Plan ahead so you don't run out of moves.
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Spider Solitaire is free with no paywalls. Play as many games as you like. We also offer Golf, FreeCell, and Klondike on the same site.