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The aim of Spider Solitaire is to create a sequence of cards in the tableau columns descending from Kings to Aces. In other words, to clear columns, you must arrange visible cards from your higher cards to your low cards so you can move cards to one of the eight foundation piles. The only way to win the game is to arrange columns of cards belonging to each suit (up to four suit cards total) from King to Ace to complete every empty pile in the foundation. The fewer suit cards you use, the easier the combination of moves required to complete the game of Spider Solitaire.
The game is played with two standard decks of cards, without Jokers, totaling at 104 cards for the game. There are multiple versions of the game including a one-suit, two-suit, and four-suit version with the game becoming more difficult the more suits you incorporate. The one-suit version simply uses spades, and our guide will start with this version of Spider Solitaire. Naturally, you'll need additional card decks to make up the required numbers when playing the one-suit version.
At the start of a new game, you'll need to deal 10 piles of cards in a horizontal line to make up the tableau. The first four piles of cards should contain six cards each while the remaining six stacks of cards will have five each. Only the last card in each tableau column should be face up.
The remaining cards (a total of 50) will be used as a draw pile to receive new cards when you're out of useful moves. Since these are random cards, Spider Solitaire can be thought of as a puzzle game with some chance gameplay elements. In single suit Spider Solitaire, your tableau piles will have only black cards whereas when you add different suits you'll see collections of red cards as well. You'll need space for eight empty columns representing your foundations as well.
Try to only draw from your stockpile when you can no longer make a move on the tableau. It's a good idea to look for your most obvious moves first, such as looking for a King or whatever your highest card is to begin a numbered sequence. You won't have to worry about suit sequence if you're just playing with spades. You can build sequences by moving any face-up card on top of an available card of the next highest value (such as moving a three of spades onto a four of the same suit).
Once you've sequenced all your face-up cards in your stacks, you can turn the last face-down card in each row of cards over and attempt to build sequences further. Continue revealing the hidden cards in your rows until you can no longer sequence any cards. At this point, the Spider Solitaire rules dictate you must draw ten new cards from your stockpile. On each next deal, one stock card will be placed at the bottom of each of the ten tableau columns.
Each deal may cause sequences to be put out of order, which can result in "blocked cards." This is why it's an important Spider Solitaire strategy to move sequences to the foundations as early as possible to create vacant columns on the tableau that new cards can go to. If after your last deal, you have no more moves and can't complete the eight foundations, you'll lose the game. Once you get some single suit wins under your belt, you'll be ready to move on to higher suit games and challenge yourself further.