What Is Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular solitaire variants in the world, made famous by its inclusion in Microsoft Windows. It uses two full decks (104 cards) and offers three difficulty levels based on the number of suits in play: one suit (easy), two suits (medium), and four suits (hard).
The objective is to arrange all cards into complete descending sequences from King to Ace of the same suit. When a complete sequence is formed, it is automatically removed from the table.
How to Play Spider Solitaire
Setup
- Tableau: 10 columns — the first 4 columns have 6 cards each; the remaining 6 columns have 5 cards each. Only the top card of each column is face-up.
- Stock: The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile.
- Foundation: 8 empty slots where completed King-to-Ace sequences are placed.
Rules
- Build descending sequences in the tableau. Cards can be placed on any card that is one rank higher, regardless of suit.
- Move same-suit sequences as a group. If you have a sequence of cards all the same suit (e.g., 9♠ 8♠ 7♠), you can move them together.
- Complete a King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit to remove it from the table and move it to the foundation.
- Deal from the stock when you are stuck. This places one new card on each of the 10 columns. Note: you cannot deal if any column is empty.
- Fill empty columns with any card or sequence.
- You win when all 8 same-suit sequences have been completed and moved to the foundation.
Difficulty Levels
| Level | Suits | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 1 suit (all Spades) | Great for beginners — no suit matching required |
| Medium | 2 suits (Spades + Hearts) | Must track two colors for sequences |
| Hard | 4 suits (all suits) | Full complexity — requires careful planning |
Spider Solitaire Strategy
Tip 1: Uncover Face-Down Cards First
Your top priority should always be to reveal hidden cards. The more information you have, the better your decisions will be. Focus moves on columns with the most face-down cards.
Tip 2: Build Same-Suit Sequences
While you can stack any card on a higher-ranked card, only same-suit sequences can be moved as a group. Prioritize building runs of the same suit whenever possible.
Tip 3: Clear Columns Strategically
An empty column is extremely valuable — it acts as a free cell for temporarily storing cards. Once you clear a column, place a King or a long sequence there to maximize its usefulness.
Tip 4: Plan Before Dealing from the Stock
Before dealing a new row of cards from the stock, try to make as many moves as possible. Each deal adds complexity, so exhaust your current options first.
Tip 5: Keep Sequences Organized
Avoid mixing suits in the same column unless absolutely necessary. Mixed-suit sequences cannot be moved as a unit, which limits your flexibility.
Spider Solitaire Win Rate
Spider Solitaire has a relatively low win rate compared to other solitaire variants. The estimated win rates vary by difficulty:
- 1-Suit: ~99% of games are winnable with perfect play
- 2-Suit: ~50–60% of games are winnable
- 4-Suit: ~33% of games are winnable with optimal strategy
The challenge of Spider Solitaire is what makes it so rewarding. Each game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are in Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire uses two standard 52-card decks for a total of 104 cards.
Can you move only part of a sequence in Spider Solitaire?
You can break a sequence at any point and move just the top portion, as long as the portion you are moving forms a valid same-suit descending sequence.
What happens when the stock runs out?
Once all cards from the stock have been dealt and no more moves are available, the game is over. If you have not completed all sequences, the game is lost.