Super Spider Solitaire

How to Play Spider Solitaire Online

Objective of the Game

The goal in Spider Solitaire is to build eight full sequences of cards, each in descending order from King to Ace, within the same suit. Once a complete sequence is formed, it’s automatically moved to one of the eight foundation piles. The game ends when all cards are successfully arranged and moved to the foundations.

Setup

Spider Solitaire uses two standard decks, totaling 104 cards:

54 cards are laid out across 10 tableau columns:
- First 4 columns: 6 cards each
- Remaining 6 columns: 5 cards each
Only the top card of each column is face-up.
The remaining 50 cards are placed face-down in the stock pile (deck).
Foundations are empty at the start and are filled as complete sequences are built.

Gameplay Mechanics

Card Movement: Players can drag an exposed card from the end of a tableau column and place it on a card of the next higher rank. Entire sequences in descending order and of the same suit can be moved together.
Empty Columns: Any single card or a valid descending sequence can be moved into an empty tableau column.
Dealing New Cards: When no further moves are possible, players can deal 10 new cards from the stock—one to each tableau column. This action is limited to 5 times per game and only allowed if no columns are empty.

Game Modes and Difficulty Levels

1. One-Suit (Beginner Mode)

Only one suit is used. Cards can be moved in descending order regardless of suit, making it ideal for newcomers.

2. Two-Suit (Intermediate Mode)

Two suits are used, typically black and red. This introduces more challenge in maintaining suit sequences.

3. Four-Suit (Advanced Mode)

All four suits are in play. This mode is the most difficult and requires expert planning and strategy.

Other Variations

Other solitaire game variations may include differences in tableau size, additional free cells, or custom layouts found in various solitaire games online.

Winning Strategies and Tips

Even experienced players win only about one out of every three games of Spider Solitaire. Here are some effective strategies to improve your chances:

1. Avoid Premature Dealing

Don’t draw from the deck unless all possible moves have been made on the tableau. Deal only when you're stuck.

2. Create Empty Columns

Empty columns offer flexibility. Use them to temporarily hold cards while organizing other sequences. Avoid immediately placing a King unless it advances your game.

3. Prioritize High-Rank Cards

Start building sequences from higher-ranked cards to avoid getting blocked early by Aces, which can’t have cards placed on them.

4. Follow Suits When Building

Whenever possible, arrange cards in the same suit. This allows you to move larger stacks as a unit and clear tableau space more efficiently.

By understanding the rules and adopting smart tactics, players can greatly enhance their experience with Spider Solitaire online—a timeless game that continues to captivate digital card players around the world.

History of Spider Solitaire

Spider Solitaire is a classic card game that traces its roots to the 18th century, where early forms of solitaire were reportedly played by French prisoners. The specific variant known as Spider Solitaire was first mentioned in 1917, but it wasn’t until 1949 that its current form emerged. The name "Spider" reflects the game’s eight foundation piles, symbolizing the eight legs of a spider. Its popularity soared after Microsoft included it in its Windows operating system in 1998, bringing solitaire games online to millions of casual gamers.