Spider
Two decks, ten columns, eight suits to complete.
Spider Solitaire uses two suits and 104 cards dealt across ten columns. Build eight complete same-suit sequences from King down to Ace — completed sequences are removed automatically. Clear the entire tableau to win.
How to play
- Build descending sequences in the tableau by placing a lower card on a higher card (e.g. 5 on 6).
- Any card can be placed on any card one rank higher, regardless of suit — but only same-suit runs can be moved as a group.
- A complete King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit is automatically removed. Complete all eight to win.
- Click the stock pile to deal one new card to each column. All columns must contain at least one card before dealing.
- Any card or same-suit run can be placed in an empty column.
Your stats
Personal records
What is Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular and challenging patience card games. Unlike Klondike, which uses a single deck, Spider uses two full decks of 52 cards (104 cards total) and deals them across ten tableau columns. The name comes from the eight legs of a spider — matching the eight foundation sequences you need to complete to win.
A brief history
Spider Solitaire was first described in 1947 in the book "Games of Patience" and gained mainstream popularity when it was included with Microsoft Windows ME in 2000. It quickly became one of the most-played computer games worldwide, rivalling even the classic Klondike for daily play time.
Core strategy
The key to Spider is keeping your sequences in-suit as much as possible. While the rules allow placing any card on any card one rank higher, mixed-suit sequences cannot be moved as a group — they become immovable blocks that clog the tableau. Focus on building same-suit runs and clearing columns to create free spaces for reorganisation.
Empty columns are extremely valuable. They act as temporary storage for cards while you rearrange sequences elsewhere. Try to clear at least one column early in the game, and think carefully before filling it — each empty column roughly doubles your ability to move cards around.
Ranked vs. free play
One new ranked shuffle is generated every calendar day from a seed, so every player who visits on that day faces the same arrangement. Completing the ranked game counts toward your streak and records. Free-play games use random shuffles and do not affect your statistics.
Tips for beginners
Start by focusing on columns with the fewest face-down cards — they are the easiest to clear. Avoid dealing from the stock until you have exhausted all useful moves in the tableau. When you have multiple options for a move, prefer the one that builds a longer same-suit sequence or reveals a face-down card. Patience is essential: Spider games can take 10-20 minutes to complete.
Difficulty levels
This version uses all four suits (the hardest variant). Easier variants exist — one-suit Spider uses only spades, and two-suit Spider uses spades and hearts — but the four-suit version offers the deepest strategy and the greatest satisfaction when you complete all eight sequences.