Redeem your 
What is Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire has become one of the most beloved card games worldwide, gaining popularity through its inclusion in digital platforms. Named after the eight tableau columns that resemble a spider’s eight legs, this engaging patience game offers the perfect blend of strategy and luck. Unlike many card games requiring multiple players, Spider Solitaire is a single-player experience that tests your planning and forward-thinking abilities.
Originally created as a more challenging alternative to traditional Solitaire, Spider Solitaire gained massive popularity when Microsoft included it in their Windows operating system. From there, millions discovered this addictive game, and it soon became a favorite among free online games enthusiasts. Today, you can enjoy Spider Solitaire on numerous platforms, including Pogo, where you can play without downloading any software directly in your browser.
Spider Solitaire vs. Classic Solitaire: What are the differences?
While both Spider Solitaire and Classic Solitaire (also known as Klondike) share the common goal of arranging cards in a specific order, they differ significantly in gameplay and strategy. Classic Solitaire uses one standard 52-card deck, whereas Spider Solitaire typically uses two complete decks (104 cards). This fundamental difference creates a more complex and layered experience.
In Classic Solitaire, you build four foundation piles upward by suit from Ace to King, while in Spider Solitaire, you create descending sequences within the tableau regardless of suit (in easier variations). The objective in Spider is to create complete descending sequences from King to Ace within the tableau columns, which are then automatically removed from play.
Another notable difference is that Spider Solitaire offers multiple difficulty levels based on how many suits are in play, making it accessible to beginners while offering challenges for experienced players. This flexibility has contributed to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity among free card games online no download options.
Spider Solitaire: Basic rules you should know
The objective of the game
The primary goal in Spider Solitaire is straightforward yet challenging to achieve. You must create complete descending sequences of cards from King to Ace within the tableau columns. When you successfully complete a sequence, regardless of where it sits in the column, it automatically removes itself from the tableau, bringing you one step closer to victory.
To win the game, you need to clear all the cards from the tableau by forming these complete sequences. With 104 cards in play, you’ll need to create and remove 8 complete sequences (one for each suit in the deck). While this might sound simple, the strategic depth comes from managing partial sequences, limited moves, and thoughtful use of the stockpile. A successful game requires planning several moves ahead while adapting to new cards as they enter play.
Basic rules and gameplay: A step-by-step guide
Let’s break down the fundamental rules and gameplay of Spider Solitaire:
- Setup: Spider Solitaire begins with 54 cards dealt into 10 tableau columns. The first 4 columns receive 6 cards each, while the remaining 6 columns get 5 cards each. Only the top card of each column is face-up initially. The remaining 50 cards form the stockpile.
- Card movement: You can move cards in descending numerical order (King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, etc.). In the easiest version (one suit), cards can be moved regardless of suit. In more difficult variations, sequences must be of the same suit to be moved together.
- Revealing cards: When you move a card from the top of a column, the card beneath it is automatically turned face-up, revealing new playable options.
- Complete sequences: When you form a descending sequence from King to Ace in the same suit, it’s automatically removed from the tableau, freeing up space for more strategic moves.
- Victory condition: The game is won when all cards have been removed from the tableau by forming complete sequences. You’ll need to create eight full sequences to clear the entire deck.
While playing free online card games, these basic rules are automatically enforced, making it easier to focus on strategy rather than remembering all the details.
How to move cards
Moving cards in Spider Solitaire follows a consistent pattern. You can place any card on another card that is one rank higher. For example, a 5 can be placed on a 6, or a Jack can be placed on a Queen. In the easiest version of the game (one-suit), you can place any card on another of appropriate rank regardless of suit.
When moving cards, you can move either single cards or sequences of descending cards. This is where strategy comes into play – deciding when to break up sequences and when to preserve them can significantly impact your chances of success. In multi-suit variations, you can only move sequences as a group if all cards in the sequence are of the same suit.
Suit matching and card stacking
The difficulty in Spider Solitaire increases dramatically based on suit requirements. In the easiest version (one suit), all cards are of the same suit, typically Spades, making it easier to create sequences. The two-suit version introduces both red and black suits, while the four-suit version uses all four standard suits.
In multi-suit variations, you can stack cards of different suits in descending order, but you can only move groups of cards together if they form a descending sequence of the same suit. This restriction adds a significant strategic element, as you must carefully plan your moves to avoid creating mixed-suit stacks that limit your options later.
For example, if you have a 7 of Hearts on an 8 of Spades, you can only move the 7 by itself, not as part of a sequence. However, if you have a 7 of Spades on an 8 of Spades, followed by a 6 of Spades, you can move the entire sequence together.
Dealing new cards: When and how it works
The stockpile in Spider Solitaire provides additional cards when you’ve exhausted the available moves in the tableau. You can deal a new row of cards by clicking on the stockpile, which will add one card to each tableau column. This gives you fresh opportunities to continue building sequences.
However, there’s an important restriction: you can only deal new cards when all tableau columns contain at least one card. This means you cannot deal cards if any column is empty. This rule prevents players from dealing cards to get out of difficult situations and forces more strategic thinking about creating and maintaining empty columns.
The stockpile contains 50 cards divided into 5 rounds of dealing (10 cards each time). Managing your stockpile effectively is crucial for success in Spider Solitaire, as each deal introduces new challenges and opportunities. Experienced players try to create advantageous tableaus before dealing new cards, as unplanned deals can sometimes create impossible situations.
When playing rainy day solitaire, the game automatically tracks your stockpile and prevents dealing if any columns are empty, making it easier to focus on strategy.
Understanding the layout, empty columns, stock, and foundations
A solid understanding of the Spider Solitaire layout is essential for developing effective strategies:
Tableau: This is your main playing area, consisting of 10 columns. Cards are built in descending order within these columns. Empty columns are extremely valuable as they provide flexibility for moving cards and sequences. Creating and strategically using empty columns is a key aspect of advanced Spider Solitaire play.
Stockpile: Located typically at the bottom of the screen, the stockpile contains the remaining cards not initially dealt to the tableau. You can deal from the stockpile when all tableau columns contain at least one card. The stockpile is divided into 5 rounds of 10 cards each.
Foundations: Unlike Classic Solitaire, Spider Solitaire doesn’t have separate foundation piles. Instead, completed sequences are automatically removed from the tableau. These completed sequences are sometimes displayed at the bottom or side of the screen to track your progress.
When playing Pogo games, the interface is intuitive and clearly displays these elements, making it easy to track your progress and plan your strategy.
How to play Spider Solitaire: All variants explained
Classic Spider Solitaire variations
Traditional 4-Suit Mode
- Objective: Create eight complete King-to-Ace sequences, each containing cards of the same suit.
- Setup & rules: Uses all four traditional suits (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades). You can stack cards of any suit in descending order, but you can only move groups of cards if they form a descending sequence of the same suit.
- Difficulty: 🕷️🕷️🕷️ Hard
Challenge yourself with the traditional 4-suit mode in Rainy Day Spider Solitaire HD on Pogo
2-Suit Mode
- Objective: Same as 4-suit, but with only two suits in play.
- Setup & rules: It typically uses just red and black cards (26 of each suit). The rules for moving cards remain the same, but with fewer suits, it’s easier to create same-suit sequences.
- Difficulty: 🕷️🕷️ Intermediate
1-Suit Mode
- Objective: Create eight complete King-to-Ace sequences.
- Setup & rules: All 104 cards are of the same suit, typically Spades. This means any descending sequence can be moved as a group, regardless of position.
- Difficulty: 🕷️ Easy
Themed and special Spider Solitaire variants
Time Challenge Spider
For those who enjoy adding time pressure to their card games, Solitaire Blitz adds an exciting twist to the traditional format. You race against a countdown clock to complete sequences as quickly as possible. Successfully completing sequences adds time to your clock, while strategic moves earn bonus points.
This fast-paced variant is perfect for experienced players looking to test their speed and efficiency. The time element forces quick decision-making and rewards players who can spot moves rapidly without sacrificing strategic planning.
Race against the clock in Solitaire Blitz on Pogo and see how fast you can clear the cards!
Daily Spider Solitaire
Solitaire Home Story offers a fresh challenge every day with curated puzzles designed to test different skills. Each daily puzzle is guaranteed to be solvable, making it a great way to improve your Spider Solitaire abilities with consistent practice.
Many players enjoy the routine of tackling a new puzzle each day, comparing their scores with friends and tracking their improvement over time. Daily challenges often include special themes or variations that keep the gameplay experience fresh and engaging.
Start your daily Solitaire challenge with Solitaire Home Story on Pogo!
Spiderette
Spiderette is a streamlined version of Spider Solitaire that uses fewer columns and a single deck of cards. This variant typically features 7 tableau columns instead of 10 and uses just 52 cards instead of 104.
The reduced scale makes games quicker to complete while still offering the core Spider Solitaire experience. Spiderette is ideal for mobile play or when you only have time for a shorter game session.
Gigantic Spider
For those who find traditional Spider Solitaire too easy, Gigantic Spider ramps up the challenge by using three or more decks of cards. With over 150 cards in play, this variant requires exceptional planning and memory skills.
The sheer volume of cards creates complex situations that even experienced players find challenging. Gigantic Spider is recommended only for those who have mastered the four-suit variation of the standard game.
Relaxed Spider Solitaire
Relaxed Spider offers a more forgiving experience by removing some of the standard restrictions. Common relaxations include allowing deals when columns are empty or permitting unlimited undos to experiment with different strategies.
This variant is perfect for casual play or for learning the game without frustration. Many digital implementations offer relaxed rules as an option, letting players customize their experience based on their skill level.
Turn 1
This variant is similar to the equivalent in Klondike Solitaire. In Turn 1 Spider, cards from the stockpile are dealt one at a time instead of an entire row at once. This gives players more control over when new cards enter play, potentially making the game easier.
Turn 1’s gradual introduction of new cards allows for more strategic planning and reduces the chaos that can come from dealing 10 new cards simultaneously.
Turn 3
Similar to Turn 1, but cards are dealt three at a time from the stockpile. This creates an intermediate challenge level between the standard rules and the Turn 1 variant.
Turn 3 requires adapting to multiple new cards while still offering more control than the standard dealing mechanism. It’s a popular variation for players who find the standard game slightly too challenging.
Scorpion Solitaire
Though named differently, Scorpion Solitaire plays similarly to Spider but with a unique setup. Most cards are dealt face-up from the start, with only a small “sting” of cards dealt face down.
The objective remains creating same-suit sequences, but the initial visibility of most cards allows for more strategic planning from the beginning. This variant requires less luck and more skill than standard Spider.
Black Widow Solitaire
Black Widow is a simplified Spider variant that uses a single deck and simplified movement rules. It’s often considered a good stepping stone between Klondike and full Spider Solitaire.
The game maintains Spider’s core mechanic of building down sequences within the tableau but with fewer cards and columns, making it less intimidating for newcomers.
Arcade Mode Spider Solitaire
Arcade Mode adds game elements like power-ups, boosters, and special abilities to the traditional Spider Solitaire experience. These might include abilities to remove any card, automatically sort a column, or peek at face-down cards.
This gamified version appeals to players who enjoy collecting rewards and progressing through levels. The added elements introduce new strategic considerations beyond the standard card game rules.
Experience a new way to play Solitaire with fun power-ups in Solitaire Home Story on Pogo!
Other popular Solitaire games
FreeCell Solitaire
FreeCell is renowned for its strategic depth and the fact that almost all deals are solvable with perfect play. Unlike Spider, FreeCell involves moving all cards to four foundation piles, building up from Ace to King by suit.
The game’s hallmark is the four “free cells” that serve as temporary storage for single cards. This storage capability, combined with the ability to see all cards from the beginning, makes FreeCell a game of pure skill with minimal luck involved.
Plan your moves carefully and win in Payday FreeCell HD on Pogo!
TriPeaks Solitaire
TriPeaks Solitaire features a unique layout where cards are arranged in three pyramids. Players remove cards one rank higher or lower than the current card, regardless of suit.
The fast-paced, arcade-like gameplay makes TriPeaks popular among casual players. Scoring is based on creating long sequences of consecutive moves, encouraging players to plan carefully to maximize their points.
Climb to the top of the peaks in TriPeaks Solitaire on Pogo!
Aces Up Solitaire
Aces Up (sometimes called Idiot’s Delight) is a minimalist solitaire game where the goal is to remove all cards except the four Aces. Its simple rules mask a challenging puzzle that requires strategic thinking.
Players can remove any card that matches the suit of another card of higher value. The straightforward mechanics make it easy to learn, but mastering the optimal strategy takes practice.
Can you clear the board and leave only the aces? Try Aces Up! Solitaire on Pogo!
Gaps Solitaire
Also known as Montana or Addiction Solitaire, this variant challenges players to arrange all cards in four rows of Ace through King. The unique mechanics involve filling gaps by moving cards according to specific rules.
The puzzle-like nature of Gaps makes it appealing to players who enjoy methodical problem-solving rather than the luck-based aspects of some other solitaire variants.
Think ahead and make the right moves in Addiction Solitaire HD on Pogo!
Klondike Solitaire
The classic solitaire game that most people think of when they hear “solitaire” Klondike involves building four foundation piles from Ace to King by suit. Its familiar mechanics have made it the standard against which other solitaire games are measured.
Klondike’s blend of strategy and luck has given it enduring popularity. While not as strategically deep as Spider or FreeCell, its accessibility makes it a classic favorite.
Enjoy the classic Solitaire experience with a travel twist in World Class Solitaire on Pogo!
Jet Set Solitaire
This themed variant combines traditional solitaire mechanics with travel-themed progression and collection elements. Jet Set Solitaire players complete card challenges to “travel” to different destinations around the world.
The addition of meta-game elements like collecting souvenirs and completing location-based challenges adds depth and long-term engagement beyond the core card game.
Take off on a Solitaire adventure in Jet Set Solitaire on Pogo!
The Do’s and Don’ts!
| The YES! ✔️ | The absolutely NO´s! ❌ |
| Plan your movesPrioritize empty columnsBe patientDon’t rush into stockpile everythingDon’t be afraid of do and re-do | Not having a planTry to be fastDo not focus on emptying columnsNot seeing which movement is convenient |
Spider Solitaire: How to play on Pogo for extra fun
When you’re ready to put your Spider Solitaire skills to the test, Pogo offers an exceptional platform with added benefits. Pogo’s Rainy Day Spider Solitaire HD provides a premium experience with beautiful graphics, smooth controls, and helpful features like undo options and customizable difficulty settings. What truly sets Pogo apart are the social and achievement elements that transform the solitary game into a community experience—earn badges, track statistics, and compare your performance with other players. Best of all, you can play free games online without downloading anything, with access to multiple variants from solitaire blitz to solitaire home story.
Ready to Play? Start Your Spider Solitaire Journey on Pogo Today!
FAQs
Is Spider Solitaire harder than Solitaire?
Yes, Spider Solitaire is generally considered more challenging than traditional Klondike Solitaire, especially in its 2-suit and 4-suit variations. Spider uses two complete decks (104 cards) compared to Klondike’s single deck, and the rules for moving card sequences are more restrictive. In this version of solitaire, success depends more on skill than luck compared to Klondike.
Is it possible to win every game of Spider Solitaire?
Unlike FreeCell, where nearly all deals are theoretically winnable, not every Spider Solitaire deal can be solved. The random distribution of cards sometimes creates situations where no sequence of moves will lead to victory. This element of uncertainty adds to the game’s challenge and makes each successful completion more satisfying.
What is the most difficult game of Solitaire?
Among popular Solitaire variants, 4-suit Spider Solitaire ranks among the most challenging, alongside Gigantic Spider, which we mentioned earlier. The difficulty in 4-suit Spider comes from the strict rules for moving card sequences combined with the need to manage four different suits across two decks. Gigantic Spider takes this challenge to the extreme by using three or more decks of cards.
What is the secret to Solitaire?
The secret to succeeding at Spider Solitaire lies in strategic planning and prioritization as outlined in our Do’s and Don’ts section. Experienced players focus on creating empty columns whenever possible, as these provide crucial flexibility for rearranging cards. Another key strategy is building same-suit sequences in multi-suit games rather than creating mixed sequences that limit future moves. Patient evaluation of all options before dealing new cards from the stockpile is also essential, as each deal introduces new complications. Finally, understanding when to use the undo feature to try different approaches can help you discover the optimal sequence of moves.
Is Spider Solitaire good for your brain?
Yes, Spider Solitaire offers significant cognitive benefits, particularly for strategic thinking and planning skills. The game exercises working memory as you track multiple potential move sequences and their outcomes. It also strengthens problem-solving abilities through its complex puzzles that require logical thinking. The planning skills we discussed throughout this guide—like evaluating when to use the stockpile, creating empty columns, and building same-suit sequences—all contribute to mental exercise. For older adults, card games like Spider Solitaire can be both an entertaining pastime and a beneficial brain exercise, making Pogo games an excellent choice for keeping your mind sharp.
