What is spider solitaire?

Spider Solitaire is a popular single player card game and a variation of classic solitaire. It is played with two decks (104 cards), and the objective is to arrange the cards in descending order from King to Ace within the tableau. Once a complete sequence of the same suit is formed, it is removed from the board and moved to a foundation pile.

Objective of the Game

The goal in Spider Solitaire is to arrange the cards in the tableau columns in descending order from King to Ace. As you organize the cards and uncover hidden ones, try to build complete sequences in the same suit. When a full sequence from King to Ace is completed, it is moved to one of the eight foundation piles. The game is won once all eight sequences are completed and no cards remain in the tableau.

The Setup and Play Area

• Tableau: The tableau consists of 10 columns of cards. The first four columns contain 6 cards each, while the remaining six columns contain 5 cards each. This is where most of the gameplay happens, as you move and arrange cards in descending order by suit to form complete sequences.
• Stock Pile: After the tableau is set up, the remaining 50 cards are placed in the stock pile. When you need more cards, you can deal one card to each tableau column at the same time, adding a new layer of cards to continue the game.
• Foundation: Whenever you successfully arrange a complete sequence of cards from King to Ace in the same suit, it is automatically moved to one of the eight foundation piles. The game is won when all sequences are completed and moved to the foundations.

How to Play Spider Solitaire (1 Suit)

• Understand the Goal: The objective is to arrange cards in descending order from King to Ace in the tableau. When a full sequence is completed, it automatically moves to a foundation pile.
• Work Within the Tableau: The game starts with 10 columns of cards. You can move face-up cards between columns to build descending sequences.
• Move Cards in Descending Order: In the 1 Suit version, you can place any card onto another card that is one rank higher. For example, a 9 can be placed on a 10.
• Move Groups of Cards Together: If cards are already arranged in descending order, you can move the entire sequence to another column in a single move.
• Reveal Hidden Cards: When you move all face-up cards from a column and a face-down card is left, it will flip over and become playable.
• Deal Cards from the Stock Pile: If no more moves are available, you can deal one card to each column from the stock pile to continue the game.
• Create Complete Sequences: Try to build a full sequence from King to Ace in a column. Once completed, the sequence will move to a foundation pile.
• Win the Game: You win when all sequences are completed and moved to the foundation piles, clearing the tableau.

Available Moves

• Build Cards in Descending Order: You can move any face-up card onto another card with the next higher value. For example, a 8 of Spades can be placed on a 9 of Spades to start or continue a sequence in the tableau.

• Move a Sequence of the Same Suit: If a group of cards is arranged in descending order and all belong to the same suit, you can move the entire sequence together to another column.
• Reveal Face-Down Cards: When all face-up cards in a column are moved and only a face-down card remains, the face-down card is automatically turned over and becomes available to play.
• Draw Cards from the Stock Pile: If no more moves are possible in the tableau, you can deal one new card to each of the ten columns from the stock pile to continue the game.
• Sequences May Break After Dealing: After dealing cards from the stock pile, some sequences may no longer be in order. In this case, you must move blocking cards before moving the sequence again.
• Play Under a Blocked Card: Even if a card is blocking others, you can still continue building sequences below it. The blocked card must eventually be moved to access the cards below.
• Use Empty Columns: If a column becomes empty, you can move any card or valid sequence into that space to help build new sequences.
• Complete a Full Sequence: Your goal is to build a complete King to Ace sequence of the same suit in a column. Once completed, the sequence automatically moves to a foundation pile. When all eight foundation piles are filled, you win the game.

Time & Moves Tracking

Every game tracks the number of moves you make and the total time taken to finish. When you win, you’ll see a detailed summary showing:

• Total time taken to complete the game
• Total number of moves used
• Chance to beat your personal best

Spider Solitaire strategy

• Reveal Face-Down Cards First: Try to uncover as many face-down cards as possible early in the game. Revealing hidden cards gives you more options and helps you understand which moves are available. Before drawing new cards from the stock pile, make sure you have revealed as many cards in the tableau as you can.
• Create Empty Columns: Whenever possible, try to create empty columns. Empty spaces are very useful because you can move any card or a valid sequence there, giving you more flexibility to rearrange cards and build proper sequences.
• Move Higher Cards to Empty Columns: It is usually better to move higher-ranking cards, such as Kings, to empty columns. This allows you to build longer sequences below them. Moving lower cards, like a 3, limits your options because only a few cards can be placed on top of them.
• Use the Undo Button: If a move leads to a dead end, don’t worry. Use the undo button to go back and try a different strategy. Sometimes reviewing previous moves can help you find a better path to complete your sequences.