How to Play Spider Solitaire Online

For many years, Spider Solitaire has been a popular card game. And the online version is even better! You don’t have to shuffle the deck, there is no setup, and you can play the game at any time, anywhere! If you have never tried spider before, don’t be concerned. This guide will help you learn the basics and rules and give tips, tricks, and strategies so that you can start winning even more games!

What is Spider Solitaire?

Spider Solitaire is an entertaining variation of solitaire. Whereas Klondike uses seven tableau piles, Spider has ten tableau piles. Spider Solitaire gained notoriety through Windows, where it was included in the operating system as a built-in card game.

The online version is much quicker and easier to play. Instead of manually dealing the cards to the Microsoft Excel environment in Klondike, you can easily restart a game, and most sites provide multiple difficulty levels to choose from before you begin the game. Spider Solitaire is easy to learn but difficult to master—this is what makes it addictive in an online environment.

How to Set Up Spider Solitaire Online

Upon starting a new game, you will see a unique board.

• Tableau: 10 piles of cards, some of which are face down, with the last one face up.
• Stockpile: The extra deck you will be dealing with during the game.
• Foundations: The 8 piles where the complete runs will go eventually.
  
  You also can choose the difficulty. Most of the time while playing online, there are three difficulties:
• 1 Suit: The easiest using only spades.
• 2 Suit: Medium difficulty; usually spades and hearts.
• 4 Suit: The hardest and using all the suits like a real deck of cards.
  
  If you are starting out, I would suggest choosing 1 suit. This gives you the opportunity to understand the mechanics before jumping into any of the more difficult versions.

Rules of Spider Solitaire Online

The objective is simple: create eight complete runs of cards from King to Ace. Each run must be in the same suit. Once you create one run, it automatically goes to the foundation.
Here is what you can do when playing:

• Move cards in descending order (ex. 9 on 10).
• A King is the only card that can go in an empty column.
• You can deal new cards from the stockpile if you get stuck.
  
  But the problem is, if you get the suit mixed in a column, it won’t move as one, and you will have to separate them before moving them. This is where strategy comes in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Spider Solitaire Online

Are you ready to get started? Follow these steps.

• Start the game: Get Spider Solitaire Online and choose your level of difficulty.
• Find the moves: Scan the tableau of cards for moves to stack cards immediately.
• Continue building runs: Place the cards in descending order, if possible, in the same suit.
• Use your empty columns strategically: Any empty column is powerful if used correctly to stack cards as you can move the entire stack of cards from another open column.
• Deal cards from the stock: When there are no more moves, deal ten more cards from the stock to the tableau.
• Clear completed runs first: If you clear the card sequence from King to Ace, it will be sent to the foundation so you can empty some of the tableau.
  
  Play continues until you clear the eight runs or are completely blocked.

Tips and Strategies for Spider Solitaire Online

Winning is not just a matter of luck. Spider Solitaire is a game of strategy. Here are some tips:

1. Get your Kings out as quickly as possible. Empty columns are valuable so you can place Kings there to free up additional columns.
2. Do not mix suits. If you can avoid it, it is typically better and slows you down.
3. Manage the right and left side of the board. Only exploiting one area slows your progress.
4. Try to keep the stockpile where possible. Do not push stockpile cards to the play area willy-nilly unless it is an absolute must, unless it is an obvious win.
5. Plan ahead. Look ahead two or three moves if you can.
6. Use the undo button appropriately. Some online versions will allow you to undo your last play if you realize you do not want to make that play. If you can use this feature appropriately, then do so.

These strategies will not guarantee every game will be a winning game, but they will improve your winning percentage.

Why Play Spider Solitaire Online?

There are so many reasons players love the online version:

• Immediate availability: No download, No Sign-in.
• Mobile compatible: Play on your phone, tablet or desktop.
• Infinite replayability: Every shuffle is different.
• Brain workout: Promotes focus, memory development and problem solving skills.
  
  One of the benefits of playing online is being able to track your statistics, challenge friends, and even try out more challenging modes when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spider Solitaire

Is spider solitaire online free to play?
Yes. Most play sites allow you to play for free with infinite restarts.

Can every spider solitaire game be solved?
No. Some deals will be unwinnable, but using smart play increases your possibilities.

What is the hardest version of spider solitaire?
The 4 suit version is the most difficult version. Only advanced players are typically able to beat it consistently.

Play Free Spider Solitaire at Solitrd

You learn best when you are playing. Why not begin right now at Spider Solitaire Free Online!

No downloads, no sign-up. Just a clean ad free gaming experience that plays on any device. Do the 1-suit version while you practice, and when you are ready, try the 2 or 4 suits.

Conclusion

Spider Solitaire Online combines strategy, patience, and luck to create one of the most satisfying card games there is. The rules of the game are easy to learn, but the challenge is limitless. By making smart moves, coupled with a little practice, you will start to win far more often.

So, get a new deal; strategise, and see how many games you win today!