Play Spider Solitaire Online for Free

Spider Solitaire is a relaxing, single-player card game played with two decks of cards. The goal is to build eight complete sequences, from King down to Ace, all in the same suit. Once a sequence is complete, it moves to the Foundation automatically.

Spider Solitaire is one of the most challenging and rewarding versions of Solitaire. It offers multiple difficulty levels, endless replay value, and a thoughtful strategy for players who enjoy a mental workout.

What Is Spider Solitaire?

Spider Solitaire is a card game where you build sequences in descending order, from King to Ace, within the same suit. Once complete, these sequences move to the Foundation, the area where finished suits are stored.

The game uses two full decks (104 cards total) and is played by one person. Spider Solitaire gained popularity from its inclusion in Microsoft Windows, but now it’s available free online, no downloads or registration required.

At Solitaire.com you can play Spider Solitaire in your browser with helpful features like Unlimited Undo, a Hint button, and Daily Challenges that keep gameplay engaging..

Game Setup – Cards, Layout, and Areas

Spider Solitaire uses a familiar but slightly larger playing field than Klondike Solitaire. The game area is made up of three key zones: the Tableau, Foundation, and Stockpile.

Tableau

This is where gameplay happens. Ten columns are dealt with cards, some face down (hidden) and one face-up (visible) at the top of each stack. You move cards within the Tableau to build sequences.

Foundation

This is where completed King-to-Ace sequences are sent. The game ends when all eight full sequences are moved to the Foundation.

Stockpile

This is the draw deck. It holds 50 face-down cards. When you run out of moves, you deal one card to each Tableau column from the Stockpile, but only if each column has at least one card.

For example, a round might begin with ten Tableau columns: six have five cards, and four have six. Each top card is face-up, while the others are face-down until revealed.

How to Play Spider Solitaire (Step-by-Step Guide)

Spider Solitaire may look complex at first, but each step follows a clear pattern. Your job is to move cards around the Tableau to create full sequences, always in descending order and in the same suit.

Step 1: Move face-up cards

Start by moving any visible card onto another that is one rank higher. For example, you can place a 7♣ on an 8♣. Suits don’t have to match to move a single card, but only same-suit runs can be moved together.

Step 2: Build sequences

You can move a group of cards only if they are in descending order and of the same suit. For example, if you see 9♠, 8♠, 7♠, you can move all three onto a 10♠.

Step 3: Reveal face-down cards

When you move a face-up card that has a card underneath, the face-down card becomes visible. This reveals new options and should be your top priority.

Step 4: Complete and clear a full sequence

Once you complete a King-to-Ace sequence in a single suit, it moves to the Foundation automatically. Your progress builds from there.

Step 5: Deal from the Stockpile

When you can’t make any more moves, deal new cards one to each Tableau column from the Stockpile. Be careful: you can only do this if there’s at least one card in every column.

Understanding Spider Solitaire Difficulty Levels

Spider Solitaire offers three levels of difficulty: one-suit (easy), two-suit (medium), and four-suit (hard). Each version uses the same layout, but how you group cards changes the challenge.

One-Suit (1-Suit)

All cards are the same suit, usually Spades. Great for beginners. You can move any descending sequence without worrying about colors or matching.

Two-Suit (2-Suit)

Spades and Hearts are used. You can move cards between suits, but full sequences must match suits to clear to the Foundation.

Four-Suit (4-Suit)

All four suits are in play. You can still move cards by descending value, but only matching-suit sequences can be grouped and cleared.

For example, in a 2-suit game, you can place a 9♥ on a 10♠, but they won’t count as a sequence unless they match suit. Most players start with one-suit mode, then work up as confidence grows.

Strategy Tips for Better Gameplay

Spider Solitaire rewards planning, not speed. Every move can set up a win or block your progress. These strategy tips help new players play smarter.

Create and use empty columns wisely: An empty Tableau column is powerful. It gives you space to move sequences or rearrange cards. Try to open a column early, then use it to move a long suit run.

Don't deal from the Stockpile too soon: Before dealing new cards, make sure all empty Tableau columns are filled. If you don’t, the game won’t let you deal. More importantly, premature dealing can bury useful cards.

Use Undo and Hint features: Solitaire offers Unlimited Undo and a Hint button. These are perfect tools to learn without restarting. Use Undo to experiment and Hint to find your next move if you're stuck.

Group cards by suit when possible: Even in 2- or 4-suit games, sorting suits early can be helpful. Keeping suits together makes it easier to build and move complete sequences later.

For example, if you can move either 6♦ or 6♣ onto a 7♣, choose the same-suit option for long-term success.

Spider Solitaire Win Rate and Difficulty Statistics

Spider Solitaire win rates vary depending on the number of suits in play. One-suit games have a much higher win rate than the more complex two-suit or four-suit versions.

• 1-Suit Spider: Estimated win rate is around 80–90% with practice. This version is beginner-friendly and ideal for a learning strategy.
• 2-Suit Spider: Average win rate drops to about 30–50%, depending on experience and move planning.
• 4-Suit Spider: This version is the most difficult, with win rates often below 10% without the use of Undo or hints.

Why People Love Spider Solitaire

Spider Solitaire is both relaxing and rewarding. It offers a quiet challenge that suits casual players and lifelong fans alike.

Many people play Spider Solitaire to unwind, sharpen focus, or return to a familiar favorite from their first computer. Each game is different, so the experience stays fresh

The game encourages patience and logical thinking, two skills that improve over time. That’s why millions of players enjoy Spider Solitaire daily on Solitaire.

Whether you play for a few minutes or an hour, Spider Solitaire is a game that meets you where you are.

Best Spider Solitaire Game Experience at Solitaire.com

You can play Spider Solitaire anytime, anywhere, right in your web browser. Solitaire makes it easy to enjoy this classic game with no downloads, logins, or installations required.

Whether you're on a desktop computer, tablet, or phone, the game adjusts to fit your screen. There's nothing to install; visit Solitaire.com and start playing instantly.

Solitaire Features:

• Unlimited Undo – Fix mistakes and try new strategies without restarting the game.
• Hint Button – Get help finding your next move when you're not sure where to start.
• Mobile-Friendly Design – Play on iOS or Android devices without losing quality or controls.

Spider Solitaire Scoring System

While many players enjoy Spider Solitaire just for the challenge, some versions also include a scoring system. Here’s how scoring typically works:

• Starting Score: 500 points
• Each Move: –1 point
• Each Completed Sequence (King to Ace): +100 points
• Final Score: Calculated by subtracting total moves and adding points from completed sequences

For example, if you finish the game in 70 moves and complete 8 full sequences, your score would be: 500 – 70 + (8 x 100) = 1,230 points

Solitaire.com’s version focuses more on gameplay than point tracking, but knowing how scores work can help you play more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions