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Card Games
Spider Solitaire
Build 8 complete sequences from King to Ace in the same suit!
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Suits
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Moves
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Stock
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Wins
Select Difficulty
What is Spider Solitaire? The Ultimate Card Challenge
Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular and challenging variants of the classic solitaire card game. Named after its goal of completing 8 sequences (like a spider's 8 legs), this engaging card game has captivated players since Microsoft introduced it with Windows 98, and it has since become a beloved favorite among solitaire enthusiasts worldwide.
Unlike traditional Klondike Solitaire which uses a single deck, Spider Solitaire ups the ante with two complete decks (104 cards) spread across 10 tableau columns. The objective is to build eight complete sequences from King down to Ace in the same suit. When you complete such a sequence, it automatically removes from the board, bringing you one step closer to victory.
What makes Spider Solitaire particularly engaging is its three difficulty levels based on the number of suits used. One-suit Spider (all Spades) is perfect for beginners, providing a gentler learning curve. Two-suit Spider (Spades and Hearts) offers a moderate challenge, while the infamous four-suit Spider presents the ultimate test of strategic thinking, with win rates dropping to just 10-15% even with perfect play.
Our free online Spider Solitaire offers all three difficulty modes with responsive design for any device. Whether you are a seasoned card game veteran or new to the world of solitaire, Spider Solitaire provides hours of mentally stimulating entertainment that sharpens your strategic thinking and pattern recognition skills.
How to Play Spider Solitaire
- 1Choose Your Difficulty
Select 1 suit (easy - all Spades), 2 suits (medium - Spades and Hearts), or 4 suits (hard - all suits). Start with 1 suit if you are new to Spider Solitaire to learn the mechanics before increasing difficulty.
- 2Understand the Layout
The game deals 54 cards across 10 tableau columns (6 cards to the first 4 columns, 5 to the last 6). Only the top card of each column is face-up. The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile for dealing later.
- 3Build Descending Sequences
Click a face-up card to select it, then click another card one rank higher to move it. You can place any card on one rank higher (e.g., 5 on 6), but only same-suit sequences can be moved together as a group.
- 4Reveal Hidden Cards
When you move a card and expose a face-down card beneath it, that card automatically flips face-up. Revealing hidden cards is crucial - it gives you more options and information for strategic planning.
- 5Complete King-to-Ace Sequences
When you build a complete sequence from King down to Ace in the same suit (K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A), it automatically removes from the board. You need to complete 8 such sequences to win the game.
- 6Use Empty Columns Strategically
Any card or valid same-suit sequence can be moved to an empty column. Empty columns are valuable for temporary storage while rearranging cards. Kings are ideal for empty columns since they cannot be moved elsewhere.
- 7Deal from Stock When Needed
Click the Deal button to add one card to each column from the stock (10 cards total). Important: All columns must have at least one card before dealing. Save dealing for when you have no other moves - new cards may cover useful sequences.
Rules of Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is a challenging two-deck card game that requires strategic thinking and patience. Unlike classic Klondike, Spider Solitaire uses all 104 cards and has three difficulty levels based on the number of suits used. The goal is to create eight complete sequences from King to Ace.
Difficulty Levels
- 1.1 Suit (Easy): All Spades - best for beginners
- 2.2 Suits (Medium): Spades and Hearts - moderate challenge
- 4.4 Suits (Hard): All suits - expert level difficulty
Movement Rules
- Any card can be placed on a card one rank higher
- Only same-suit sequences can move together
- Any card can fill an empty column
- Complete K-to-A sequences are removed automatically
Tips and Strategies to Win at Spider Solitaire
Build Same-Suit Sequences
Prioritize building sequences of the same suit. Mixed-suit sequences cannot be moved together, limiting your options significantly.
Create Empty Columns
Empty columns are incredibly valuable. They act as temporary storage and give you flexibility to rearrange cards and build sequences.
Expose Hidden Cards
Focus on uncovering face-down cards. The more cards you can see, the better decisions you can make about which sequences to build.
Delay Dealing
Only deal from the stock when you have no more useful moves. Each deal adds 10 more cards, potentially covering important sequences.
Plan Multiple Moves Ahead
Think several moves ahead before acting. Consider how each move affects your ability to complete sequences and create empty columns.
Start with 1 Suit
If you are new to Spider Solitaire, start with 1-suit mode. Master the basics before increasing difficulty to 2 or 4 suits.
Benefits of Playing Spider Solitaire
Advanced Strategic Thinking
Spider Solitaire requires deeper planning than classic solitaire, developing advanced analytical and strategic skills.
Progressive Challenge
Three difficulty levels let you gradually increase the challenge as your skills improve, keeping the game engaging.
Extended Gameplay
With 104 cards and complex sequences, games last longer than classic solitaire, perfect for longer relaxation sessions.
Pattern Recognition
Tracking multiple sequences and suits enhances your ability to recognize patterns and make quick decisions.
Patience Building
The complexity and length of Spider Solitaire games help develop patience and perseverance.
Satisfying Completion
The challenge makes winning feel especially rewarding, providing a strong sense of accomplishment.
Why Play Spider Solitaire on YaliKit?
Three Difficulty Modes
Choose from 1, 2, or 4 suits to match your skill level and desired challenge.
Fullscreen Mode
Play in fullscreen for an immersive experience without distractions.
Track Statistics
Monitor your wins and improve your strategy over time.
No Login Required
Start playing immediately without creating an account.
Mobile Friendly
Play on any device with our responsive card interface.
Completely Free
Play unlimited games without any cost or hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Solitaire
What is the difference between 1, 2, and 4 suit Spider Solitaire?
In 1-suit mode, all cards are the same suit (easiest). In 2-suit mode, you use two suits (medium difficulty). In 4-suit mode, you use all four suits, making it much harder to build same-suit sequences.
Why can I not deal more cards?
You can only deal from the stock when all 10 tableau columns have at least one card. Fill any empty columns first before dealing.
How do I win Spider Solitaire?
Build eight complete sequences from King to Ace of the same suit. Each completed sequence is automatically removed. When all eight sequences are complete, you win!
Why can I not move a sequence of cards?
Only same-suit sequences can be moved together. If your sequence contains mixed suits, you can only move individual cards or the same-suit portion at the end.
Is every Spider Solitaire game winnable?
Not every game is winnable. The win rate depends on difficulty: 1-suit games are won about 99% of the time, 2-suit about 50%, and 4-suit only about 10-15% with perfect play.
What are the best strategies for beginners?
Start with 1-suit mode, focus on creating empty columns, always try to build same-suit sequences, and avoid dealing new cards until necessary.
How is Spider Solitaire different from Klondike?
Spider uses two decks (104 cards) instead of one, has 10 tableau columns instead of 7, no foundation piles during play, and requires same-suit K-to-A sequences instead of alternating colors.
Is my progress saved?
Yes! Your win statistics are saved locally in your browser and will persist between sessions. However, individual games are not saved if you close the browser.