Learn to Play Spider Solitaire: Rules & Tips

Players 1 Player
Difficulty 6/10
Recommended Age 10+
Game Category Solitaire
Playing the card game Spider Solitaire
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Spider Solitaire Game Overview

Spider Solitaire is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by players of all ages for decades. This game is known for its challenging gameplay and strategic thinking, making it a great option for anyone looking to improve their card-playing skills.

In this game, the player's goal is to arrange cards in descending order and in a suit sequence from King to Ace. The game is played with two decks of cards, and the player can choose from several difficulty levels depending on their skill level.

Spider Solitaire can be played online or offline and is available on most platforms, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Ready to learn how to play Spider Solitaire? Let's get started!

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Objective of the Game

The objective of Spider Solitaire is to move all cards to the eight foundations at the top of the game board. The foundations are built in suit sequence from Ace to King, and each foundation must be completed before the game can be won.

To do this, the player must build columns of cards in descending order and in alternating colors. Cards can only be moved as a unit if they are in sequence, and the top card of each column is available for play.

The game is won when all cards are moved to the eight foundations. However, if the player is unable to make any more moves, the game is lost.

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Materials Needed for Playing Spider Solitaire

  • A deck of 52 playing cards (two decks if playing with four suits)
  • A playing surface, such as a table or desk

Cards Used

Spider Solitaire is played with two decks of cards, for a total of 104 cards. However, only 104 cards are used if playing with four suits. Some versions of the game may use only one suit.

Other Supplies Needed

  • None

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How To Play Spider Solitaire

  1. Shuffle the two decks of cards together and deal 10 columns of cards, with the first four columns containing six cards and the remaining columns containing five cards.
  2. Turn the top card of each column face up.
  3. Build columns of cards in descending order and in alternating colors. For example, a black 8 can be placed on a red 9, but not on a red 7.
  4. The top card of each column is available for play. When a column is empty, any available card can be moved to fill the space.
  5. Once a column of cards is built in descending order and in suit sequence, it can be moved to one of the eight foundations at the top of the game board.
  6. Complete each foundation by building in suit sequence from Ace to King.
  7. The game is won when all cards are moved to the eight foundations. The game is lost if the player is unable to make any more moves.

Keeping Score

Spider Solitaire is typically scored by counting the number of moves it takes to win the game. The fewer moves required to win, the higher the score.

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Related Games

If you enjoy playing Spider Solitaire, you may also enjoy these similar card games:

  • Freecell
  • Klondike
  • Yukon
  • Pyramid
  • Tri Peaks