Spider Solitaire – Play Online for Free
Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular card games in the world. Its name refers to the eight legs of a spider, matching the eight suit sequences required to win. The game owes much of its popularity to its inclusion as a pre-installed game on Windows. The difficulty depends primarily on the card distribution and the number of suits in play: a one-suit game is generally accessible, while a four-suit game is a genuine challenge.
The game is played with two standard decks, totaling 104 cards. Ten columns are dealt on the tableau. Only the top card of each column is face up at the start. The first four columns contain six cards each; the remaining six contain five. When no moves remain, the stock in the upper left can be used to deal one new card to each column.
Rules – How to Win at Spider Solitaire
A game of Spider Solitaire is won when all 104 cards have been arranged into eight complete sequences, each running from King down to Ace in the same suit. Unlike Klondike Solitaire, where cards are moved to four foundation piles in ascending order by suit, Spider Solitaire sequences are assembled directly on the tableau before being transferred to the foundation. Freecell also uses four foundation piles but provides free cells for temporary card storage.
Allowed moves
Cards must be stacked in descending order. Suit does not matter for intermediate moves: a 4 of Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs can be placed on a 5 of Spades. Only a complete same-suit sequence from King to Ace counts as finished and can be moved to the foundation. A group of face-up cards of the same suit in consecutive descending order can be moved together. When a card or group is moved, the next card in the column is automatically flipped face up. An empty column accepts any single card or any valid group.
When no more moves are possible, click the stock to deal one new card to each of the ten columns.
Features of Spider Solitaire
Before starting, choose a suit mode and difficulty level. Three suit modes are available: 1 suit, 2 suits, and 4 suits. Each mode offers three difficulty levels: easy, normal, and hard. The currently active mode and difficulty are highlighted in the menu. Clicking the active mode starts a new game with the same settings; clicking a different mode starts a new game in that mode at easy difficulty.
A time limit can also be activated. Select a difficulty level first, then set the desired duration on the following screen.
The game menu shows the current mode and difficulty at a glance. Use "New Game" to change settings, or "Restart" to replay the current hand with cards dealt in the same order. "Undo" reverses the last move; "Redo" restores it. "Hint" suggests a possible next move. "Pause" pauses and resumes the game. The screen displays elapsed time and the number of moves made.
Related Solitaire Games
If Spider appeals to you, Scorpion Solitaire and Yukon Solitaire are natural next steps. Scorpion is the closest cousin: it uses a single deck and builds complete suit sequences directly on the tableau, much like Spider, but with a different starting layout and only a small reserve of three cards to fall back on. Yukon takes a looser approach, letting you move any face-up card at any time regardless of sequence, which gives you considerably more freedom without the strict ordering Spider demands.
For those who enjoy a two-deck challenge, Forty Thieves Solitaire is well worth the effort. Ten columns, strict one-card movement, and a deep card pool make it one of the more demanding solitaire variants around. Crescent Solitaire sits somewhere different in style: it uses two decks in a distinctive layout with eight simultaneous foundations and rewards patience over speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
📌 Can I really play Spider Solitaire for free?
Yes, Spider Solitaire, Solitaire and Freecell are all free to play with no registration required. Simply visit the site, choose a game, and start playing.
📌 Which solitaire variants are available?
Spider Solitaire, Patience Solitaire and Freecell are the three main games, each available in multiple variants including Windows XP editions, time-limited modes, and more. Browse the full game list to find the version that suits you.
📌 How do I win at Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire is won when all cards are arranged into eight complete same-suit sequences running from King down to Ace. Cards are stacked in descending order on the tableau; mixed-suit placements are allowed during play, but only same-suit sequences can be completed. The order is: King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace.
📌 In what order must the cards be arranged?
Cards must be placed in descending order: King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace. In modes with more than one suit, each completed sequence must consist entirely of cards of the same suit. Groups of same-suit cards in correct descending order can be moved together in one step.
📌 What can I do if I am stuck?
Click the stock to deal new cards to all ten columns. Use Undo to reverse recent moves and explore different options. The Hint button suggests a possible next move. If no options remain, start a new game.