Solitaire Spider is a popular and challenging variation of the classic solitaire game. Named for its resemblance to a spider's web, this game requires strategic thinking and careful planning. The objective is to build eight sequences of cards in descending order from King to Ace, each of the same suit, and then move these completed sequences to a foundation pile.
Solitaire Spider is played with two standard 52-card decks, totalling 104 cards.
The cards are shuffled and dealt into ten tableau columns. The first four columns each contain six cards, while the remaining six columns each contain five cards. Only the top card of each column is face up, with the rest are face down. The remaining cards form the stockpile and are face down. These will be used to deal additional cards to the tableau during the game.
The main goal of Solitaire Spider is to create eight sequences of 13 cards of a suit, each running from King to Ace in descending order and of the same suit. Once a sequence is completed, it is removed from the tableau and placed in a foundation pile. The solitaire is solved when all eight sequences are successfully built and moved to the foundation piles.
First, start by reviewing the tableau to identify any potential moves of the exposed cards from one column to another one to start forming a partial sequence. You can move cards within the tableau to form descending sequences, regardless of suit. For instance, a 7 of hearts can be placed on an 8 of spades.
Cards can and should be moved within the tableau to build sequences. A card or a group of cards forming a proper sequence can be moved to another column if the move creates or continues a descending order. For example, if a column ends with a 9, you can place a sequence starting with an 8 on top of it.
When the top card of a column is moved, the card beneath it is turned face up and becomes available for play. Continue moving and revealing cards to create more opportunities for building sequences.
When no more moves are possible or advantageous, deal a new row of ten cards from the stockpile to the tableau. Each column receives one new card, which is placed face up. This action can create new moves and opportunities for building sequences.
A complete sequence from King to Ace of the same suit can be moved to the foundation pile. This frees up space in the tableau either by freeing up a column or potentially uncovering the card the sequence was based on top of and helps you progress towards winning the game.
The solitaire is solved when all eight sequences are completed and moved to the foundation piles.
The game concludes if no more moves are possible, and the stockpile is exhausted without completing all eight sequences.
On this note, it's useful to mention that there are different variants which are even more widely used than the original set of rules described in this article, the most common of all is the one-suit spider in which all 104 cards are of the same suit instead of 4. So the same set of rules apply, the practical difference when playing is the fact that as you're creating sequences on the columns these are the “runs” that will ultimately be moved to the foundation pile since you don't need to bother about the final sequence being of the same suit or not.
Solitaire Spider is a challenging and rewarding card game that requires strategic planning and careful execution, as you've seen from its set of rules and strategy tips. By understanding and applying the rules effectively, players can enjoy a deeply engaging solitaire experience. Whether you’re seeking a mental challenge or a satisfying way to pass the time, Solitaire Spider offers hours of captivating gameplay.
So now that you understand the rules come and play spider solitaire online, the most common version we just mentioned, one-suit spider solitaire, or download the solitaire spider iOS app as well as the Android one.
If you'd like to play other solitaires, we've got a range of the most entertaining ones like freecell solitaire, pyramid solitaire, tripeaks and the good old klondike solitaire.
