After a long day, I always find myself craving a bit of relaxation – and there’s nothing better for a Solitaire lover to unwind after a long day than with a classic game of Spider Solitaire. It’s such an immersive experience that I immediately forget about all of my worries, that is before the ads disrupt it all! Spider Solitaire has three variations: one suit with only one suit, two suits with two suits, and four suits with all suits, but I have to admit that the classic version is my favorite!
These ads not only interrupt the flow of the game, but they always pop up when I am on the brink of conquering the game. And if you feel the same, then you would be thrilled to know that you can now play classic Spider Solitaire online without any ads. So, close your old browser and explore a realm where nothing can disturb your gaming experience.
The Main Objective of Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire, as a whole, is usually regarded as a difficult Solitaire game, and newbies tend to avoid it. I mean, it also took me a while to convince myself to win this game. But the surprising part is that it is actually very simple! It only took a couple of tries to perfect this game (not to brag).
The primary objective of Spider Solitaire is to clear the Tableau by making eight Piles of cards in descending order from King to Ace. It may sound simple, but the layout is enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned player. Unlike the traditional Solitaire, which has 52 cards in the Tableau, Spider Solitaire is played with two decks of cards, making it a total of 104 cards! But fret not, as with a keen eye and a good strategy, you can also perfect this game.
How to Setup Classic Spider Solitaire
The layout of Classic Spider Solitaire may look tricky, but it’s actually really easy to set up!
- You will need two 52-card Decks.
- Firstly, shuffle the two Decks together and lay out ten cards facing 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 the top card of each column to reveal it.
- The remaining deck is placed on the side and will be used during gameplay.
How to Play Classic Spider Solitaire?
The first question that arises is about the process of playing classic Spider Solitaire. Here’s how you can play the class version of this game if you’re a newbie!
- During the gameplay, players can move any face-up card to another one as long as the card being moved is one rank lower than the card it is being moved to.
- When a card is moved, the card beneath it reveals itself.
- Continue to make moves such that sequences of descending cards are being made.
- When players have no more moves left, they can place an entire new row of face-up cards from the Deck. Remember that each column should have a card in order to do this; you might have to break sequences if there is an empty column.
- Every time a player makes a sequence from King down to Ace, it is 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!
Honestly, at first, the layout of Spider Solitaire intimidated me, but as soon as I figured out some tips, the game suddenly became much easier! Trust me when I say that it only seems difficult if you don’t have much experience. Here are some strategies and tips that will definitely enhance your gaming experience while helping you become a pro in this variant.
Try to Empty More Columns
Emptying columns is one of the top Solitaire Spider strategies that players should keep in mind. And even though it’s easier said than done, the more you can empty, the better. Any card can be placed in the empty spots, and this is highly helpful when attempting to reveal more cards or rearranging sequences.
I always ensure that I place a card in an empty spot only if I will be able to take that card out of there easily. Remember that while emptying columns is a good strategy, it can make the layout even more chaotic if you place cards in empty spots without knowing how you’ll be able to clear them.
Don’t Place Kings in Empty Spaces
This advice builds upon the preceding one. In a game of Solitaire Spider, the Kings are the toughest cards. Since they are at the base of the sequences built in this game, it is better to complete their sequences rather than shifting them to an empty space.
I once overestimated my skills and placed a King card in an empty spot, and let me tell you, I regretted it deeply! It blocked the space, leaving me unable to use it until I completed its sequence!
Avoid Using the Stock Pile Excessively
The Stock Pile is that one feature of Spider Solitaire that will always keep you on your toes. It is incredibly complex as it adds one card to every column, so you can’t predict what kind of cards you’ll get. Now, I know that you must think that it provides more opportunities, but remember, 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, thinking nothing could go wrong. Lo and behold, a King landed in my path and blocked my path to victory! From that day, I realized that using the Stock Pile too much can cause 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, and it led to a dead end as Aces piled up, and no card could be placed on top of it. I just stared at the game for several seconds before giving up and closing it!
Opting for higher-value cards not only extends a game’s lifespan but also helps us set up a solid foundation for stacking cards and making sequences. This is a technique that involves strategic thinking and also ensures that I set myself up for victory quickly in the game (definitely not boasting!).
Have Patience
As the saying goes, patience is a virtue, and it’s certainly one when put to the test in Spider Solitaire. The game demands not only patience but also persistence as it presents itself as a daunting challenge that cannot be solved. Yet, in these moments of frustration, remember to take a breath and survey Tableau with a clear mind.
I always tend to make rash decisions when in a hurry; I quickly found out that this was one of the major reasons why I was losing at Spider Solitaire! Maintaining patience will help you weigh your options thoughtfully, which will ensure that you make the right decisions.
| Strategy | Description |
| Try to Empty More Spaces | By emptying more spaces, players can use these spots as ‘Free Cells’ to store cards |
| Don’t Place Kings in Empty Spaces | King in empty spots can block maneuvering as they are the base of the Piles |
| Avoid Using the Stock Pile Excessively | 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 players can make their Piles easily without any dead-end cards |
| Have Patience | Since Spider Solitaire has a complex layout, it requires a lot of patience to weigh the options and make decisions |
Play Classic Spider Solitaire On Your Device
Playing Solitaire by arranging cards is not only tiring, but I always give up when setting the cards. Thankfully, due to the advent of technology, this beloved game can not only be played online but also free of any ads. Websites such as theSolitaire.com offer Spider Solitaire, allowing players to enjoy the game directly from the comfort of their homes. Now, I can easily play a quick game during my lunch break or even when I’m on the road and bored!
Moreover, these platforms can be opened with any device. Whether I have my phone or my laptop with me, I don’t have to worry about carrying tangible cards with me. I mean, no one wants to waste their time setting physical cards just to have a good gaming experience. In addition, their platforms also offer additional features such as multiplayer modes and customizable backgrounds, spicing up the experience even more!
Conclusion
Playing Solitaire from the comfort of your bed is a gaming experience everyone should have. I love to play classic Spider Solitaire whenever I get bored, not caring where I am. It is very comforting to know that I can enjoy the game online without any interruptions. So, whether you find yourself looking to unwind after a tiring day or waiting for your next appointment, play Spider Solitaire without any ads on your device!
