Spider Solitaire Rules — How to Play and Win

Objective

Spider is the classic two-deck solitaire (104 cards). The goal is to assemble eight same-suit sequences running from King down to Ace. Each completed sequence is removed from the table automatically.

The Layout

  • 10 tableau columns. 54 cards are dealt: the first four columns get 6 cards each, the other six get 5. Only the top card of each column is face up.
  • Stock pile. The remaining 50 cards stay face down — that's five deals of 10 cards each.
  • 8 foundations. Completed King-to-Ace sequences are sent here.

How to Move

  • In the columns, cards are built down by rank regardless of suit: any eight can go on any nine.
  • You can move a group of cards only if they form a same-suit descending run. For example, the spade run 9-8-7 moves as a unit, but a mixed-suit run does not.
  • Any card or sequence may be placed on an empty column.
  • Dealing from stock: click the stock to deal one card to each of the 10 columns. You cannot deal while any column is empty.
  • A completed same-suit run from King to Ace is automatically moved to a foundation.

How You Win

The game is won when all eight sequences are assembled and cleared from the table.

Tips and Strategy

  • Build same-suit runs. Only then can a group of cards be moved together.
  • Uncover face-down cards first — it widens your options.
  • Try to empty columns: an empty column is a powerful tool for reorganising.
  • Don't rush to deal from the stock — use every available move on the table first.

Controls

Drag cards with the mouse or your finger. Clicking the stock deals a new row of cards. «New game» and «Undo» are on the top bar.

→ Play Spider Solitaire