How to play
- Two decks (104 cards) are dealt into ten columns; the rest form the stock in the top-right corner.
- Move a card onto any card one rank higher, whatever its suit. A run of cards can move together only if it is all one suit and in sequence.
- Any card or same-suit run can move into an empty column.
- When a column holds a full same-suit run from King down to Ace, it is cleared automatically. Clear all eight to win.
- Tap the stock to deal one new card onto every column. You can only deal when no column is empty.
Difficulty
1 suit uses only spades, so every sequence can move and most games are won. 2 suits mixes spades and hearts. 4 suits is the classic expert game, where planning matters on every move.
Scoring
You start with 500 points, lose 1 for each move or deal and earn 100 for each completed run.
Strategy tips
- Turn over face-down cards as early as possible, especially in the shorter columns, to create an empty column.
- Empty columns are your most powerful tool. Use them to rearrange sequences, not as a parking place.
- Prefer building in suit. A King-to-Ace run in mixed suits can’t be cleared.
- Before dealing from the stock, make every useful move and try to put high cards at the bottom of columns.
More ideas in our Spider Solitaire strategy guide.
FAQ
Why can’t I deal new cards?
Classic rules require every column to have at least one card before you deal. Move any card into the empty column first.