What Spider Solitaire Is and How to Play

Spider Solitaire is a card game played with two standard decks (104 cards total) and a single player. The goal is to arrange all the cards into eight complete sequences, each running from King down to Ace, all in the same suit. You build these sequences on the table itself, moving cards one at a time to create descending runs. When you have built a complete sequence in one suit, it disappears from the table automatically. The game ends when either all eight sequences are gone (you win) or you run out of moves and cannot place any more cards (you lose).

The name comes from the eight legs of a spider — you need to build eight complete sequences to finish the game. Unlike simpler solitaire games, Spider requires planning several moves ahead and rewards patience over speed. Many people find it absorbing enough to play for 20 or 30 minutes at a time, which is one reason it has remained popular for decades.

Key Takeaways

  • Spider Solitaire uses two full decks and asks you to build eight complete sequences from King to Ace, each in a single suit.
  • You move cards one at a time to create descending runs, and a complete sequence in one suit vanishes automatically when finished.
  • The game is available free on most computers and tablets, including Windows, Mac, and iPad devices.
  • Winning requires planning ahead and uncovering hidden cards strategically, making it more challenging than many other solitaire variants.
  • Playing regularly may help maintain focus and decision-making skills, though the game is primarily a form of entertainment.

The Basic Rules and Card Movement

At the start, ten cards are laid out face-up in a row across the table. Below them, the remaining 94 cards sit in a deck. You move cards by dragging them to a new position or, on some devices, by tapping and selecting. A card can only move on top of another card if it is one rank lower — so a 7 can go on an 8, a 6 on a 7, and so on. The suit does not matter for moving cards around the table, which is what makes the game tricky: you might place a heart 7 on a club 8 to free up a card underneath, but you will eventually need to separate them again.

When you cannot move any more cards, you click a button to deal ten more cards from the deck — one card on top of each of the ten piles already on the table. This is called a "stock deal." You can only deal when you have no legal moves left. Once you have dealt all the cards from the deck, there are no more deals available, so the game becomes about rearranging what is already visible.

A complete sequence — King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace, all in the same suit — removes itself from the table when ready. You need to build eight of these to win.

Where to Play Spider Solitaire

Spider Solitaire comes built into Windows computers as part of the Microsoft Solitaire Collection. On a Windows machine, search for "Solitaire" in the Start menu and open the app. The game is free and requires no account or read beyond what is already on your computer. Three difficulty levels are available: One Suit (easiest, using only spades), Two Suits (medium, using spades and hearts), and Four Suits (hardest, using all four suits). Most people start with One Suit to learn the rules, then move to Two Suits once they win a few games.

On a Mac, Spider Solitaire is not included by default, but you can read free versions from the App Store by searching "Spider Solitaire." Several options exist; read the reviews to find one with a clear interface and no ads or in-app purchases if that matters to you.

On an iPad or iPhone, search the App Store for "Spider Solitaire." Again, many free versions are available. Some include ads; others charge a small one-time fee to remove them. The touchscreen makes card movement straightforward — you tap a card and drag it to its new position.

Online versions also exist on websites like Solitaire.com or Pogo.com, playable in any web browser without downloading anything. These are free but often include ads or optional paid memberships.

Strategies That Help You Win More Often

The most important strategy is to uncover hidden cards. When you move a card away from a pile, the card underneath becomes visible. Prioritize moves that expose new cards, especially if those new cards are low-value (Aces, 2s, 3s) or high-value (Kings, Queens, Jacks) that you need for sequences. Moving a card just to move it, without uncovering anything new, usually wastes a turn.

Build sequences in one suit whenever possible. If you have a 9 of hearts and a 10 of hearts next to each other, place the 9 on the 10 even if you could place a 9 of clubs there instead. Keeping suits together means fewer moves needed later to separate them. Once you have a run of three or more cards in the same suit, try to keep adding to it rather than breaking it up.

Use Kings wisely. A King can only go on an empty space (a gap left when you move all cards from a pile). Empty spaces are valuable because they let you temporarily store cards you do not need right now. Do not waste an empty space on a King unless you have a specific reason — for instance, to uncover a card you desperately need underneath.

Deal new cards only when you truly cannot move anything. Each deal brings new cards into play, but it also covers up cards you might have wanted to move. The fewer deals you use, the better your chances of winning.

Difficulty Levels and How They Differ

One Suit Spider uses only spades (52 cards from two decks). This is the easiest version because every card you place is in the same suit, so you never have to worry about separating suits later. You can focus entirely on uncovering cards and building sequences. Most people win One Suit games regularly once they understand the rules.

Two Suits Spider uses spades and hearts. Now you have to think ahead: placing a heart on a spade run is legal, but you will eventually need to move that heart away to complete a pure-suit sequence. This version requires more planning and is where many players get stuck. Winning Two Suits games takes practice.

Four Suits Spider uses all four suits and is the hardest. Every move carries more risk because you have to track which suits are where and plan several moves ahead. Winning a Four Suits game is considered a real achievement and often requires 20 or 30 minutes of focused play.

Start with One Suit to learn the mechanics. Move to Two Suits once you win consistently. Save Four Suits for when you want a serious challenge or have time to spare.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The biggest mistake is moving cards without a plan. Every move should either uncover a new card or build toward a sequence in one suit. If you move a card just because you can, you often end up in a position where you cannot move anything and have to deal new cards — wasting your stock deals and making the game harder.

Another common error is breaking up sequences in the same suit. If you have built a run of 5-4-3 in hearts, do not move the 4 just because a 4 of clubs needs a home somewhere else. Keep your suit runs together and find another solution.

Many players also deal too early. Dealing new cards should be your last resort, not your first response when you are stuck. Spend a minute looking at the board to see if there is a move you missed. Often there is.

Finally, do not get discouraged by losses. Spider Solitaire is genuinely difficult, especially at higher levels. Losing most of your games is normal. The satisfaction comes from the occasional win and from the thinking the game requires, not from winning every time.

Why Seniors Often Enjoy Spider Solitaire

Spider Solitaire offers a mix of entertainment and mental engagement. The game requires you to plan ahead, remember where cards are, and make decisions based on incomplete information — all things that keep your mind active. Unlike games that rely on speed or reflexes, Spider rewards patience and careful thinking, which suits many people's preferences as they age.

The game is also low-pressure. You play at your own pace, there is no timer, and you can quit anytime. You can play for five minutes or an hour. There is no score to beat, no opponent to compete against, and no money involved. For many people, this makes it a relaxing way to spend time while still keeping mentally engaged.

Because Spider Solitaire is available free on most devices, it is straightforward to start playing without cost or complicated setup. If you already own a computer, tablet, or phone, you likely already have access to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo a move if I make a mistake?

Yes. Most versions of Spider Solitaire include an undo button (usually labeled "Undo" or showing an arrow pointing left). You can undo one move at a time, and some versions let you undo multiple moves in a row. This is helpful when you realize a move was not what you intended.

What is the difference between One Suit and Four Suits?

One Suit uses only spades, so every card is in the same suit and you never have to separate suits. Four Suits uses all four suits, which means you have to plan ahead to avoid getting stuck with cards of different suits mixed together. One Suit is much easier and is where most people start.

How long does a typical game take?

A One Suit game usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Two Suits games often take 20 to 40 minutes. Four Suits games can take 30 minutes to an hour or longer if you play carefully. Speed does not matter — play at whatever pace feels comfortable.

Is there a way to win every game?

No. Spider Solitaire involves luck as well as skill. The order in which cards appear in the deck affects your chances, and sometimes the cards straightforward do not fall in a way that lets you win. Even informed players lose regularly. Winning about one in three or one in four games is considered good.

Do I need to pay money to play Spider Solitaire?

No. The version built into Windows is completely free. Free versions are available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone, and free online versions exist on several websites. Some versions include ads or offer optional paid features, but you can always play the basic game without spending money.