The central movement rule
Any descending card or run may be placed on the next higher rank, but a multi-card stack moves together only when every card shares a suit. Complete same-suit King-to-Ace runs leave the tableau automatically.
Spider Solitaire
Remove all cards by assembling complete descending sequences of the same suit from King to Ace.
How to play
Remove all cards by assembling complete descending sequences of the same suit from King to Ace.
- Build descending runs in the ten tableau columns.
- Move packed same-suit runs together and use empty columns for temporary space.
- Deal another row only when every column contains at least one card.
Strategy tips
- Prefer same-suit moves so long runs remain movable.
- Create an empty column before committing to another deal.
- Expose hidden cards across several columns instead of locking one column.
Complete guide
Rules, scoring, and strategy
Spider uses two decks across ten columns. Complete eight same-suit runs from King to Ace. One suit teaches the system, two suits adds planning, and four suits is the full traditional challenge.
Variants and scoring
One-suit uses eight copies of one suit, two-suit uses four copies of two suits, and four-suit uses two full decks. Each removed run adds 100 points. The variant is part of every daily and numbered deal.
Common mistakes
Mixed-suit stacks may look organized but often become immovable. Do not spend an empty column on a short move unless it reveals a card or joins suits. Before dealing, scan every column because the new row may bury an opening.
Build mobility first
Treat empty columns as temporary workspaces. Prefer moves that reveal hidden cards, empty a source, or merge same-suit fragments. On four-suit deals, several temporary off-suit placements may be necessary, so plan their exits before moving.
Questions players ask
Why can I build a mixed-suit stack but not move it?
Spider allows descending placement across suits, but a multi-card run is movable only when all adjacent cards share the same suit.
Why is dealing another row blocked?
All ten tableau columns must contain at least one card before a new stock row can be dealt.
Which variant should I choose?
Start with one suit, move to two when you can preserve empty columns, and use four when same-suit planning feels familiar.
Related games
Klondike SolitaireBuild four foundations by suit while uncovering a seven-column tableau in the classic solitaire game.FreeCellUse four open cells to reorganize a fully visible deal and build every suit onto its foundation.Yukon SolitaireMove complete face-up tails between seven columns and build four suit foundations without a stock pile.Forty Thieves SolitaireOrganize two decks in ten columns, moving one card at a time and building eight foundations by suit.
