How to Play Spider Solitaire

THE PLAYBOOK · CDBRM

How to play Spider Solitaire

Open Spider Solitaire, check the instructions and begin a round. Complete eight same-suit king-to-ace runs. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Look at what changes after your first action.

Two decks, one/two/four suits; fill every column before a ten-card stock deal. Free solo play, no wagering.

Build a steady rhythm

Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

Complete eight same-suit king-to-ace runs. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Start with a deliberate move.

Step by step

1. Build down by rank. Only descending same-suit groups move together. Empty columns accept any movable group.
2. Select a face-up card and then the destination pile or Empty slot.
3. Use foundations where available; full Spider or Scorpion runs clear automatically.
4. Undo reverses a choice. New deal shuffles again.

Controls

Click or tap cards and piles. Wide tableaus scroll inside the game; use Undo, Hint and New deal where shown. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

A useful example

A mixed-suit descending stack cannot move as one group. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Check the stated objective.

Watch out for this

Random deals are not guaranteed solvable. A hint is a legal move, not a winning strategy. Compare the situation with the worked example. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions