Game Rules
Spider SolitaireLong sequences, many suits

A popular solitaire game with multiple suits and longer card sequences in the tableau.

Players1
Duration15 – 25 min
Deck52 cards · 2 decks
LevelMedium to challenging
I · Game Objective

Complete sequences
from King to Ace

I

Spider Solitaire is played with two complete decks (104 cards). Ten tableau columns contain all cards – without separate foundation piles.

The goal is to build complete sequences from King to Ace in a single suit within the tableau – they are automatically removed once completed.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Set up the Tableau
10 columns: the first 4 with 6 cards, the remaining 6 with 5 cards – only the top card of each column face up.
2
Stock Pile
Remaining 50 cards face down as a stock pile for 5 rounds of 10 cards each.
3
Choose difficulty
One, two, or four suits in the deck – fewer suits are easier.
Before you start

Start with the one-suit variation if you're new – with four suits, sorting becomes significantly more complex.

III · Card Values
How sequences
are formed
III
↓
Descending
Any suit
Cards in the tableau can be placed in descending order, regardless of suit.
=
Move same suit
Only as a group
A group of cards can only be moved together if they are all of the same suit.
K-A
Complete sequence
Is removed
King to Ace of the same suit in sequence: automatically removed from the tableau.
10
Draw cards
10 cards at once
Each draw round automatically places a new card on each of the 10 columns.
IV · Gameplay

Move by
move

IV
1
Sort cards
Build descending sequences in the tableau, by suit where possible.
2
Move groups
Move contiguous, same-suit sequences as a group.
3
Draw new cards
No more moves possible: deal 10 new cards (one per column) face up.
4
Complete sequence
King to Ace in one suit complete: automatically removed.
5
Win
All 104 cards removed as 8 complete sequences. The game ends successfully when the tableau is completely empty.
V · Variations
Variations
V

Spider Solitaire is played in three difficulty levels.

1S
One Suit
Easiest variation with only one card suit throughout the game.
2S
Two Suits
Medium difficulty – the most commonly played variation.
4S
Four Suits
Hardest variation with all four standard suits mixed.
∅
No Time Limit
Relaxed variation with no scoring or time pressure.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Clear empty columns whenever possible – they are extremely valuable for re-sorting long sequences.

+

Build sequences consistently by suit rather than just by value – only same-suit groups can be moved together.

+

Do not draw new cards too early if meaningful re-sorts are still possible in the tableau.

+

In the Four-Suit variation: prioritize sorting by suit from the beginning, as mixed sequences are difficult to resolve later.

Common Mistakes
–

Sorting cards only by value, without regard to suit – this prevents later moving as a group.

–

Drawing new cards too early, even though productive re-sorts were still possible in the current tableau.

–

Immediately refilling an empty column instead of strategically keeping it free for more complex moves.

–

In the multi-suit variation, losing track of which cards belong to which suit in a long sequence.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Spider Solitaire needs two decks – combine two of our designs for the full experience.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger rounds and long game nights. View Product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. View Product
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