After a long day, I find myself looking for some relaxation. For a Solitaire lover, there’s nothing better to unwind than a classic game of Spider Solitaire. It’s such an immersive experience that I forget about my worries. Spider Solitaire has three variations: 1 suit, 2 suits, and 4 suits (or classic) Spider Solitaire.
The Main Objective in Spider Solitaire
Spider is usually considered to be a difficult Solitaire variant, so beginners tend to avoid it. Indeed, it also took me a while to win at this game. But, the surprising part is that it is actually quite simple once you learn the ropes.
The primary objective in Spider Solitaire is to clear the tableau by making eight piles of cards in descending order from King to Ace. This might sound simple, but the layout can be enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned Solitaire player. Unlike traditional Solitaire, which has 52 cards in the tableau, Spider Solitaire is played with two decks of cards (a total of 104 cards). But, don’t worry. With a trained eye and a good strategy, you can perfect this game.
How to Setup Classic Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire’s layout might look tricky, but it’s actually easy to set up once you know how.
- You will need two 52-card decks.
- Shuffle the two decks together and lay out ten cards face-down. This will be the start of your ten columns in the tableau.
- Now add four rows to the first row that you just laid out.
- Add one more face-down card to the first four columns.
- The first four columns will now have six cards each, while the rest of the six columns will have five cards each.
- Flip over the top card from each column so that it’s face-up.
- Place the remaining deck to the side; you will use it during the gameplay.
How to Play Classic Spider Solitaire
The first question that naturally arises is how to play Spider Solitaire. Here’s how you can play the classic 4-suits version of this game if you’re a novice.
- During the gameplay, you can move any face-up card onto another one as long as the card you are moving is one rank lower than the one you are placing it on.
- When you move a card, the card beneath it reveals itself.
- Continue to make moves that help you develop sequences of descending cards.
- When you run out of moves, you can deal a new row of face-up cards from the deck. However, each column must already contain at least one card before you deal the new row. If there is an empty column, then you might need to break sequences to ensure that every column has a card.
- Every time you make a sequence from King down to Ace, it can be removed from the layout. Remember, you have to make eight of such sequences.
- Cards in sequences can be moved as a stack to empty columns.
Strategies and Tips to Win at Classic Spider Solitaire
At first, Spider Solitaire’s layout intimidated me. But, once I discovered some suitable strategies, the game became much easier. It only seems difficult if you don’t have much experience. Here are some tips and tricks that will enhance your gaming experience while helping you become a Spider pro.
Try to Empty More Columns
Emptying columns is one of the best Solitaire Spider strategies to keep in mind. Although it’s often easier said than done, the more you can empty, the better. Any card can be placed in the empty spots. This is very helpful when attempting to reveal more cards or rearranging sequences.
I always ensure that I only place a card in an empty spot if I will be able to remove that card easily later. Remember that, while emptying columns is a good strategy, it can make the layout even more chaotic, especially if you place cards in empty spots without knowing how you’ll clear them.
Don’t Place Kings in Empty Spaces
This advice builds on the previous tip. In a game of Solitaire Spider, the Kings are the toughest cards to deal with because they are at the base of the sequences you build. It is, therefore, better to complete the Kings’ sequences rather than shifting them to an empty space.
I’ve sometimes overestimated my skills and placed a King in an empty spot. I always end up regretting it. It blocks the space, leaving one unable to use it until one has completed its sequence.
Avoid Using the Stock Pile Excessively
The stock pile in Spider Solitaire will keep you on your toes. It’s incredibly complex because it adds one card to every column and you can’t predict which card you’ll get next. You might think that it provides more opportunities, but it also makes the layout very chaotic.
I learned this lesson the hard way. Once, I had a sequence that was only missing an Ace. Unfortunately, I decided to use the stock pile for that one last shot. I thought that nothing could go wrong. Lo and behold, a King landed and blocked my path to victory. On that day, I realized that using the stock pile too much can cause major problems.
Utilize Higher Cards First
When playing Spider Solitaire, it’s crucial to start things off with the highest-ranking cards. Believe me, I’ve made the mistake of starting with low cards. Doing so can lead to a dead end as Aces pile up (and you can’t place any cards on Aces). When this happens, I sometimes just stare in bewilderment at the game for several seconds before giving up.
Opting for higher-value cards not only extends a game’s lifespan but also helps you set up a solid foundation for stacking cards and making sequences. This technique involves strategic thinking and ensures that you set yourself up for final victory.
Have Patience
As the saying goes, patience is a virtue. It’s certainly one that gets put to the test in Spider Solitaire. The game demands not only patience but also persistence because it presents a daunting challenge, one that can’t always be solved. In moments of frustration, try to take a breath and survey the tableau with a clear mind.
I tend to make rash decisions when I’m in a hurry. I quickly found out that this was a major reason for my losses playing Spider Solitaire. Having patience will help you thoughtfully weigh your options, which, in turn, ensures that you make the right decisions.
| Strategy | Description |
| Try to empty more spaces. | Emptying spaces means that you can use them as ‘free cells’ to store cards. |
| Don’t place Kings in empty spaces. | A King in an empty spot can block your maneuvering because they serve as the bases of piles. |
| Avoid using the stock pile excessively. | The stock pile adds a card to every column and can make the layout incredibly messy. |
| Utilize higher cards first. | Higher-ranking cards will ensure that you can build your piles without dead-end cards. |
| Have patience. | Since Spider Solitaire has a complex layout, it requires lots of patience to weigh the options and make decisions. |
Play Classic Spider Solitaire On Your Device
Playing Solitaire by arranging cards can be tiring. I’ve even given up when setting up the cards (before even starting to play!). Thankfully, the advent of technology allows us to play the game we love online.
Websites like thesolitaire.com offer Spider Solitaire, which allows you to enjoy the game from the comfort of your home. I can easily play a quick game during my lunch break or even when I’m on the road (but not while driving, of course).
If I have my phone or laptop with me, then I don’t have to worry about carrying physical cards around. Why spend time setting up physical cards when you can have a good gaming experience online? That said, some people prefer the old-school style of play, which is, of course, perfectly okay.
Conclusion
Playing Solitaire from the comfort of your bed is an experience everyone should have. I love to play classic Spider Solitaire when I get bored without having to care where I am. It’s very comforting to know that I can enjoy the game online without the effort of physically setting up the cards. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a tiring day or waiting for your next appointment, try playing Spider Solitaire on your device.
