Spider Solitaire Explained: From Casual Play to Expert Moves

Basic Rules of Spider Solitaire

While the game may be simple on face value, it’s important to grasp the basic rules of Spider Solitaire. First, the game uses two full decks. With a deck comprising 52 cards, two decks means you have a total of 104 cards.

If you’ve played this game on a computer, you already know it’s a one-man show. The cards are on display across ten tableau columns. But what’s the objective?

Objective of the Game

Spider Solitaire is simple. Your goal in the game is to complete eight full sequences of cards from King to Ace, all in the same suit. After completing this sequence, it will be removed from the tableau. As you already imagined, you will win once all the cards are cleared in the same fashion.

What makes this game even more interesting is that you can adjust the difficulty levels. If you’re a beginner, you can start at 1 suit. And if you feel more confident in your skills, you can advance to 2 suits and eventually go god mode on 4 suits for the full challenge.

Game Setup and Layout

Before you start playing, you want to know the game’s layout. You’ll have 10 tableau columns. A total of 54 cards will be dealt into those columns, with the first four columns containing 6 cards (24). The remaining six columns comprise 5 cards (30). Keep in mind, only the top card in each column faces up. The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile.

What’s the stockpile, you ask? This is a reserve of un-dealt cards that can be introduced into the game. There’s also a foundation pile, which is where you can move all complete sequences (King to Ace).

Valid Moves and Building Sequences

Now that you know about the structure and rules of the game, let’s get down to business. One valid move is that you can move cards in descending order, regardless of the suit.

Let’s get a bit more specific with an example. If you have a 9 of clubs on a tableau column, you can place it on a 10 of hearts. But here’s the catch. To move an entire sequence or even clear out, you must build the whole sequence within the same suit. This goes to show just why keeping suits aligned is in your best interest.

Second, you can move a group of cards as long as they are in descending order and of the same suit. The tableau will also have empty columns — you can fill them with any available card or sequence if you hope to reorganize and strategize.

How to Win

Victory beckons. But only if you can remove all eight full suit sequences from the tableau. However, as mentioned earlier, you can progress from playing with one suit to games with four suits. Even so, you must remember that the difficulty increases dramatically as you progress. But worry not. Later on, you’ll learn a few strategies to give you an edge in the game.

Proven Strategies to Win More Often

You’ll need more than just luck to win in Spider Solitaire, especially on higher difficulties.

Focus on Uncovering Face-Down Cards

Remember, all other cards besides the top-most card in each column face down. Your first priority should be to uncover these cards. With every card reveal, you gain more options and flexibility in the game. Additionally, you also open up columns when you reveal hidden cards.

Keep Columns Empty

Next in your arsenal are empty columns. This powerful option allows you to move full or partial sequences more freely. Consequently, this move opens paths to reach and organize deeper cards. But you already know it comes with a caution. You don’t want to fill them too quickly. Empty columns make the difference between getting stuck and moving forward.

Don’t Rush to Use the Stockpile

The stockpile is your knight in shining armor when you have exhausted all possible moves. That’s why it can be so tempting to hit that stock button when you think you can’t make more moves.

However, patience is a fundamental attribute to have in Spider Solitaire. After dealing a new row of 10 cards from the stockpile, every tableau column receives a card. This move only blocks progress or covers usable sequences. Therefore, the best route is to make as many productive moves as possible before introducing new cards into play.

Top 3 Tips for Beginners in Spider Solitaire

Starting is always difficult. Not to worry, though, because this section aims to help you avoid frustration and enjoy the process of learning and improving.

1. Start with One Suit to Build Confidence

One suit. That’s where you need to start. One-suit Spider Solitaire is the stripped-down version that lets you focus purely on understanding the core mechanics of movement and sequence building. You can do all this without having to manage suit constraints. After becoming one with the moves, you can advance to two suits or even challenge your capacity in the four suits version.

2. Use the Undo Button to Learn From Mistakes

Mistakes are what make us human. And while they may be painful, you have an opportunity to learn from them, although there’s no turning back in time. However, Spider Solitaire allows you to go back in time via the Undo button.

3. Focus on Building Clean

To build clean means to keep stacks within a single suit whenever possible. Why aim for this? Building clean makes moving and eventually removing sequences far easier. This is despite the game allowing you to build sequences while mixing different suits.

Ready to Master Spider Solitaire? Start Playing Now!

Spider Solitaire is not as difficult as you thought. Now that you know about the rules, strategies, and top beginner tips, it’s time to put everything together and test your skills. You can explore the free version of Spider Solitaire and challenge yourself to complete all eight suit sequences. Alternatively, you can check out the differences between Solitaire vs Spider Solitaire to determine which version you prefer.