How to Play Spider Solitaire: Rules and Tips

Spider Solitaire uses two decks and ten tableau columns. The goal is to build eight complete sequences in descending order from King to Ace in the same suit. When a sequence is complete, it is removed. Clear the whole tableau to win. Here is how to play.

Layout and Setup

Deal ten columns. The first four columns get six cards each (five face down, one face up); the other six columns get five cards each (four face down, one face up). The remaining 50 cards form the stock, dealt in rows of ten when you need them. There are no separate foundation piles—completed runs are removed from the tableau.

Tableau Rules

On the tableau you build in descending order. You may place any card on another that is one rank higher, regardless of suit—for example, a 7 on an 8, or a Queen on a King. You may also move a group of cards if they form a valid descending sequence in the same suit; the whole group moves together and must land on a card that fits the bottom of the sequence. Only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can go in an empty column. Turning a face-down card when you empty a column is key to making progress.

Dealing from the Stock

When you have no moves (or choose to), deal one row of ten cards from the stock—one card onto each column. You must deal the full row; you cannot deal a single column. After dealing, continue playing. You can only go through the stock a limited number of times (often once per full deal, depending on the version). Plan your deals so you do not block important cards.

Difficulty: 1, 2, or 4 Suits

In 1-suit Spider, all 104 cards are the same suit (e.g., spades). Building in suit is easy, so the game is simpler. In 2-suit, half the cards are one suit and half another; in 4-suit, all four suits appear. More suits mean more mixing of colors and harder choices. Beginners should start with 1-suit, then try 2-suit before 4-suit.

Spider rewards patience and planning. Expose hidden cards, build in suit when you can, and avoid dealing until you have used the best moves available. With practice, you will win more games.