The most notable feature of Spider Solitaire is the number of cards: While classic Solitaire uses a single deck of cards, Spider Solitaire uses two decks. There are a total of 104 cards in the game.

At the start, these cards are dealt into ten columns and the stock pile. The first four columns each have five cards, while the remaining columns each have four cards. At the start, you reveal the bottom cards of these columns. The stock pile is the stack from which you can draw additional cards during the game to continue playing.

The goal is to build complete suits from King to Ace. You can achieve this by moving the cards between the columns. If you get stuck, move ten cards from the stock to the columns: one card per column.

No more cards to deal? You can't move any more cards in the layout? Then you have lost. You win Spider Solitaire when you have completed eight full suits.

You are allowed to move the cards between the stacks, regardless of the suit. The only important thing is that the descending sequence of cards is correct. For example, place an 8 of spades on a 9 of hearts or a Queen of clubs on the King of diamonds. Use all the options before you get ten new cards from the stock.

Even though you can place cards regardless of suit, still pay attention to completing suits. Complete suit sequences can be moved as a whole to another column at any time — this is a major advantage compared to incomplete suit sequences. Additionally, moving complete suit sequences brings you closer to your goal of completing full suits.

There are several face-down cards in the columns. Aim your moves to uncover these cards. Each revealed card expands your options. In the other columns there are, for example, a 3 of spades and a 5 of diamonds, you are missing a 4. Now you uncover a 4 of hearts, move it to the 5 of diamonds and can then follow up with the 3 of spades.

When moving cards, it is also important to create space. It is optimal if you achieve empty columns through strategic play. In these columns you can put cards of your choice. Ideally, you start with the King of a suit and gradually build a complete suit. However, free columns are also suitable as a temporary storage location for cards that you do not need at the moment.

In Spider Solitaire, you aim to complete eight full suits. Once you have completed a suit, those cards are removed from the board. This is accompanied by the advantage that you then have additional options. One column is free or you can reveal a face-down card. Form complete suits as quickly as possible—this is a high priority in Spider Solitaire.