Getting Started

Spider Solitaire can look intimidating at first glance — 10 columns of cards, a large draw pile, and no obvious starting point. But once you understand the structure and objective, it quickly becomes intuitive. This step-by-step guide will walk you through a complete game from setup to win.

Step 1: Set Up the Game

Spider Solitaire uses two standard 52-card decks (104 cards). The initial deal creates the following layout:

  1. Deal cards into 10 tableau columns: columns 1–4 get 6 cards each, columns 5–10 get 5 cards each.
  2. All cards except the top card of each column are placed face-down.
  3. The top card of each column is turned face-up.
  4. The remaining 50 cards form the stock pile (draw pile).

You should now see 10 columns with only their top cards visible, and a stock pile off to the side.

Step 2: Understand Your Goal

Your objective is to build 8 complete sequences — each running from King (K) down to Ace (A) in the same suit. Once a complete sequence forms in a column, it is removed from the tableau automatically. Clear all 8 sequences to win.

Step 3: Make Your First Moves

Look at the 10 face-up cards. You're looking for opportunities to:

  • Place a card on another card that is exactly one rank higher (e.g., 6 on a 7).
  • Move same-suit sequences as a group to consolidate cards.
  • Create an empty column (by moving all cards out of a short column).

Tip: Always prioritize moves that flip a new face-down card — this gives you more options.

Step 4: Build and Manage Sequences

As you play, you'll build sequences of cards in descending order. Remember:

  • You can stack cards of any suit in descending order.
  • But you can only move a group if it's a same-suit sequence.
  • Mixed-suit stacks are harder to work with — they trap cards and limit movement.

Work toward consolidating sequences by suit whenever possible.

Step 5: Use Empty Columns Wisely

An empty column is a powerful resource. You can place any card or valid same-suit sequence into it. Use empty columns to:

  • Temporarily park a card that's blocking a useful card underneath.
  • Break apart a problematic mixed-suit sequence.
  • Hold a King while you clear space elsewhere.

Warning: Don't fill an empty column with a card just because you can. Think carefully about what you're placing there and why.

Step 6: Draw from the Stock

When you've made all the productive moves you can, it's time to draw from the stock:

  1. Make sure all 10 tableau columns have at least one card (required before drawing).
  2. Click or flip the stock to deal one new card face-up onto each of the 10 columns.
  3. Reassess the tableau and look for new moves.

You have 5 draws available from the stock. Use them wisely — each deal can help or hurt depending on your tableau state.

Step 7: Complete Your Sequences

As sequences from K to A in a single suit come together, they'll be removed from the tableau. Aim to complete sequences in an order that frees the most cards and creates the most movement opportunities.

Step 8: Win (or Reset and Try Again)

If all 8 sequences are completed and removed — congratulations, you've won! If you reach a point where no moves are possible and the stock is empty, the game is over. Spider Solitaire's difficulty means even skilled players don't win every time. Analyze what went wrong, reset, and try again with a fresh approach.

Quick Reference Checklist

  • ✅ Deal 104 cards into 10 columns
  • ✅ Only top cards are face-up
  • ✅ Build descending sequences, same suit for group moves
  • ✅ Use empty columns strategically
  • ✅ Draw from stock only when necessary
  • ✅ Complete 8 K-to-A same-suit sequences to win