Spider and Spiderette solitaire

Spider and Spiderette solitaire offers a delightful twist on traditional patience games, presenting you with a tableau of ten columns in Spider and eight in Spiderette. The core objective is to methodically arrange cards into complete sequences of the same suit, running from King downward to Ace, and then watch as they are automatically whisked away. What makes this game so compelling is the delicate balance between strategic planning and a little bit of luck, as you carefully decide which cards to move, when to deal from the stock, and how to manage the empty spaces that open up as you play. The game rewards patience and foresight. You can rearrange partial sequences, but only those that are in perfect descending order, regardless of suit in Spider, while Spiderette adds a unique challenge with its single-suit requirement for moves. Each fresh deal from the stock brings new possibilities, but also new constraints, forcing you to adapt your strategy on the fly. Whether you are looking for a quick mental workout or a longer, more relaxing session, this game offers a rewarding experience that grows more satisfying as you learn to recognize patterns and optimize your moves.

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Spider and Spiderette solitaire

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

MP3Argue with math MP1Make sense of problems MP5Use tools strategically MP7Use structure 3.NF.A.3Equivalent fractions 4.NBT.B.4Add and subtract big numbers

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3rd Grade · 4th Grade · 5th Grade

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What is Spider and Spiderette solitaire

A timeless card challenge that blends planning, observation, and a touch of luck. Test your ability to organize chaos into neat, orderly piles.

How to Play

Arrange cards in descending order within the tableau, stacking sequences regardless of suit in Spider, but only same-suit sequences in Spiderette. Use the stock pile to add new cards to each column, and build complete King-to-Ace runs to remove them from the board.

Tips for Playing

Try to expose face-down cards early to give yourself more options.
Always prioritize building complete runs of one suit over mixing suits in Spider.
Keep empty columns open for as long as possible to use as temporary holding spots.
Avoid dealing from the stock unless you have at least one empty column ready.
Move cards in the largest possible sequences to minimize disruptions to the tableau.
Use the undo function sparingly, but do not hesitate to step back and rethink your strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Spider and Spiderette solitaire?

Spider uses ten tableau columns and allows sequences of mixed suits, while Spiderette has eight columns and requires sequences of the same suit for moves. Both aim to build full King-to-Ace runs to clear the board.

How do I win the game?

You win by clearing all cards from the tableau, which happens when you complete eight descending sequences, each from King to Ace of the same suit, and they are automatically removed.

Can I move any card onto any other card?

No, you can only place a card or a sequence of cards onto a card that is one rank higher. In Spider, suits can differ for placement, but in Spiderette, they must match.

What happens when I run out of stock cards?

The game ends if you cannot make any more moves and no stock remains. In some versions, you may have the option to reshuffle, but traditionally, the game is over.

Is there a time limit?

No, there is no timer, so you can take as much time as you need to plan your moves. This makes it a relaxed, strategy-based game rather than a speed challenge.

Why is it called Spider solitaire?

The name is thought to come from the eight legs of a spider, as the game originally used eight foundation piles. The challenge of building eight complete suits also resembles a spider's intricate web of arrangements.