Spider Solitaire rules

Rules at a glance

• Deal ten tableau columns: the first four get six cards, the last six get five. Only the top card in each column starts face up.
• Build tableau columns downward by rank. Suits do not need to match for a basic move, but same-suit stacks are what you want to complete runs.
• Move any face-up descending stack together when the cards form a valid same-suit run from the bottom card upward.
• When thirteen same-suit cards from King to Ace sit together in one column, the run clears to a foundation automatically.
• Deal from the stock only when every column has at least one card.
• Win by clearing eight complete runs to the foundations.

Spider setup

Spider uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards). Fifty-four cards start in the tableau and fifty remain in the stock.

Tableau

Ten columns where most moves happen. The first four columns start with six cards; the other six start with five. Only the top card in each column begins face up.

Stock

Fifty face-down cards in the upper-left draw pile. Click it to deal one new face-up card to each tableau column when every column has at least one card.

Foundations

Eight slots across the top. Each completed King-to-Ace same-suit run moves here automatically. You need eight runs to win.

How to play Spider Solitaire

1. Scan the tableau for moves that reveal face-down cards.
2. Move face-up descending stacks onto the next higher rank.
3. Merge same-suit stacks whenever possible to work toward a thirteen-card run.
4. When a full King-to-Ace same-suit run is together in one column, it clears to a foundation.
5. Use empty columns to reorganize Kings and long stacks.
6. Deal from the stock only when every column has at least one card and you want fresh cards.
7. Win by clearing all eight runs.

Legal moves

In the tableau, you may move a face-up descending stack onto the next higher rank. Suits do not have to match for a basic placement, but same-suit stacks are what you need to build clearable runs.

When thirteen same-suit cards from King through Ace sit together in one column, that run clears automatically to the next open foundation. Any card or legal stack may move into an empty column.

Dealing from the stock

Click the stock pile to deal one new face-up card to each of the ten tableau columns. You may deal only when every column has at least one card and at least fifty cards remain in the stock.

Each deal adds ten cards at once, so deal when the tableau is ready to absorb new cards rather than when useful tableau moves are still available.

1 suit, 2 suits, and 4 suits

Spider difficulty depends on how many suits appear in the deal. Use Options on the play page to start a new game in the mode you want.

1 suit

Every card is Spades. Best for learning the flow of deals, reveals, and run clears.

2 suits

Two suits appear. You still need same-suit runs, but there are fewer suit conflicts than in the full game.

4 suits

All four suits are in play. This is the classic expert challenge because mixed stacks are much harder to untangle.

Basic strategy while learning

• Reveal hidden cards first. A move that flips a face-down card usually creates more options than shuffling visible cards between columns.
• Prioritize same-suit stacks. A 9♠ on 10♠ is more valuable than a 9♥ on 10♠ because it can grow into a clearable run.
• Protect empty columns. Do not fill an empty column unless the move reveals a card or builds a stronger same-suit sequence.
• Deal with a plan. If the tableau still has useful moves, deal only when you need fresh cards.
• Use Undo to compare branches when two moves look similar.

Playing Spider on Classic Deck Games

Classic Deck Games adds a few quality-of-life details on top of standard Spider rules:

• Play instantly in your browser on phone, tablet, or desktop — no login or download.
• Choose 1, 2, or 4 suits from Options when you start a new deal.
• Smart hints prioritize revealing face-down cards, same-suit builds, and run clears.
• Undo is always available, including beside Hint on mobile.
• Continue a saved deal on this device when you come back.
• Track statistics separately for 1, 2, and 4 suit games.
• See a session summary after wins and losses with moves, time, hints, undos, and deals.
• Watch complete runs clear to the foundation card by card, with the King landing on the slot.

FAQ

How many cards are used in Spider Solitaire?

Spider uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards). Fifty-four cards start in the tableau and fifty remain in the stock.

What can move in the tableau?

You may move a face-up descending run. The bottom card of the run must land on the next higher rank. Suits do not have to match for a basic tableau move, but same-suit stacks are easier to build into complete runs.

When does a complete run go to the foundation?

When thirteen face-up cards in one column form a same-suit run from King down to Ace, that run is removed automatically and placed in the next open foundation slot. On Classic Deck Games, the cards fly to the foundation one at a time and the King remains visible on the slot.

What can fill an empty tableau column?

Any card or legal face-up stack may move to an empty column. Empty columns are valuable for reorganizing long sequences.

When can I deal from the stock?

You may deal only when no column is empty and at least fifty cards remain in the stock. Each deal adds one face-up card to every column.

What is the difference between 1, 2, and 4 suit Spider?

In 1 suit mode every card is Spades, so runs are easier to build. In 2 suits there are two colors of sequences to manage. In 4 suits every standard suit appears and the game is much harder.

What do Spider hints suggest on Classic Deck Games?

Hints look for useful moves such as revealing a face-down card, merging a same-suit stack, or setting up a run clear. They avoid suggesting random shuffles when a stronger line exists.

Can I see separate stats for each suit mode?

Yes. Open Statistics to compare 1, 2, and 4 suit results on this device, including win rate, current and best streak, and average winning time and moves.