Spider Solitaire Rules

Legal Moves

• A face-up card can move onto a card exactly one rank higher.
• A descending stack can move together only when the movable stack is properly ordered.
• Same-suit descending stacks are the most useful because they can move together cleanly and eventually clear.
• Any valid card or stack can move into an empty tableau column.

Clearing a Sequence

A sequence clears when it runs from King down to Ace in the same suit. Once complete, that sequence leaves the tableau and counts toward clearing the whole game.

This is why mixed-suit stacks can be useful temporarily but usually need to be untangled before they become final clearing sequences.

Stock Deals

When you deal from the stock, one card is added to each tableau column. This creates new opportunities, but it can also bury useful cards if the board is not prepared.

A practical rule of thumb is to deal only after you have uncovered what you can and used empty columns as much as possible.

Variant Differences

• 1-suit Spider is the easiest mode and is best for learning.
• 2-suit Spider adds suit management while still giving frequent solvable positions.
• 4-suit Spider is the hardest classic mode because complete clearing sequences must match suit exactly.

Scoring

Spider scoring varies by implementation. CardGamesHQ starts from a score of 500 and reduces the score as moves are made, while completed sequences help you progress toward a win.

The most important goal is still clearing all cards. Score is a secondary way to compare cleaner, more efficient games.