GUIDE · SPIDER SOLITAIRE
How to play Spider Solitaire: rules, setup and strategy
Spider Solitaire rules in plain English: how the cards are dealt, which moves are allowed, how to win, and strategies for one, two and four suits.
By Solitaire Games Free Inc. · Updated 3 November 2026
The goal
In Spider Solitaire you win by building eight complete runs, each running from King down to Ace in a single suit. Each finished run is removed from the table. Clear all 104 cards and the game is won.
How the cards are dealt
Spider Solitaire uses two standard decks, 104 cards in total.
- Ten columns are dealt to the tableau: the first four columns get six cards and the other six columns get five, for 54 cards in all.
- Only the top card of each column is face up.
- The remaining 50 cards form the stock. They are dealt in five rounds of ten, one face-up card on each column.
Which moves are allowed
- You can place a card on any card one rank higher, regardless of suit: a 7 can go on any 8.
- You can move a group of cards together only if they are in descending order and the same suit.
- When you uncover a face-down card, it turns face up.
- Any card, or any valid same-suit run, can move into an empty column.
- In traditional rules, every column must hold at least one card before you deal from the stock.
One, two or four suits
Spider Solitaire is commonly played at three levels. With one suit, every card is a spade, so any descending run can move together: the best place to learn. Two suits adds a real decision about where to build. Four suits is the classic expert game, where planning same-suit runs matters on every move.
Strategy that wins more games
- Uncover face-down cards first. Hidden cards are the main obstacle, and each one you turn over creates new options.
- Build in suit whenever you can. A mixed-suit run can only be moved one card at a time.
- Create an empty column. An empty column is the most powerful resource in the game. Use it to reorganise runs, not to park a single card.
- Move higher cards before lower ones. Placing a King or Queen in an empty column gives a run room to grow.
- Deal only when you have run out of useful moves. Each deal covers every column, so tidy the table first.
Spider Solitaire compared with classic Klondike
Klondike uses one deck, seven columns and four foundation piles built up from Ace. Spider uses two decks and ten columns, and runs are completed in place from King down to Ace. Spider rewards longer planning, while Klondike depends more on the draw. If you enjoy both, explore our classic Solitaire.
Practise with Spider Solitaire Card Games
Spider Solitaire Card Games is a free Spider Solitaire card game for iPhone, iPad and Android, published by Solitaire Games Free Inc. It was first released on the App Store on 9 January 2019. A browser version is also available to play online. See how Spider Solitaire Card Games plays.