Spider Solitaire vs. Solitaire: What’s the Difference?

Guest Contributor: Usman Ishaq

Spider Solitaire and Classic Solitaire are two of the most played card games, but they offer entirely different challenges.

Each game has unique rules, strategies, and levels of difficulty that appeal to different types of players.

Here’s a direct comparison to help you understand their differences and decide which one is right for you.

Classic Solitaire is all about organizing a 52-deck of cards into 4 foundation piles. The piles must be arranged by suit in ascending order, starting with Ace and ending with King.

The Setup: Seven columns make up the tableau. The first column has one card, the second has two, and so on, with only the top card in each column face-up —the remaining 24 cards from the stockpile.

Gameplay Rules:

• Cards in the tableau must be arranged in descending order, alternating colors (e.g., a red 7 on a black 8).
• Aces start the foundation piles, and cards are added in ascending order by suit (Ace, 2, 3, etc.).
• Kings are the only cards that can fill empty columns.
• Cards can be drawn from the stockpile one at a time (easier) or three at a time ( more challenging).

Winning: You win when all cards are in the foundations, organized by suit. Classic Solitaire is a great starting point for new players. The rules are simple, the gameplay is straightforward, and you can adjust the difficulty by choosing between one-card and three-card draw modes.

Try it now on Arkadium’s Classic Solitaire.

Spider Solitaire is a step up in complexity. You’ll use two decks (104 cards) and aim to create eight complete piles, arranged in descending order from King to Ace, all within the same suit. Once a pile is complete, it is removed from the tableau.

"The two-deck format and suit-matching requirements make Spider Solitaire a favorite among players who enjoy deeper strategic challenges. Because mastering Spider takes significant practice, many dedicated players expand their training across multiple platforms. Sites like Solitaire.com let you try spider solitaire with different visual style adapting to different variations can sharpen your pattern recognition and make you a stronger player overall.

The Setup: Ten columns form the tableau. Some cards are face-down, with only the top card in each column face-up. The rest form the stockpile.

Gameplay Rules:

• Cards must be arranged in descending order within the same suit to form complete runs (e.g., King, Queen, Jack, 10, etc.).
• You can move individual cards or groups of cards if they are in descending order, even if the suits don’t match.
• Completed runs of the same suit are automatically removed from the tableau.
• Draw cards from the stockpile when no moves remain, but you can’t deal if there’s an empty column.

Spider Solitaire is more about planning ahead and managing your moves carefully. It’s perfect for players who enjoy solving puzzles and thinking several steps ahead. Try it yourself on Arkadium’s Spider Solitaire.

Here’s a breakdown of how the two games differ:

Deck Size:

• Classic Solitaire: 1 deck (52 cards).
• Spider Solitaire: 2 decks (104 cards).

Objective:

• Classic Solitaire: Build four suited foundations (Ace to King).
• Spider Solitaire: Remove eight suited piles (King to Ace).

Setup:

• Classic Solitaire: 7 tableau columns, alternating colors.
• Spider Solitaire: 10 tableau columns, suit-based sequences.

Difficulty Levels:

• Classic Solitaire: 1-card (easy) or 3-card (challenging) draw mode.
• Spider Solitaire: 1, 2, or 4 suits (from easiest to hardest).

Game Length:

• Classic Solitaire: Shorter sessions.
• Spider Solitaire: Longer, more strategic sessions.

Strategy Needed:

• Classic Solitaire: Moderate, balancing luck and planning.
• Spider Solitaire: High, with a focus on long-term strategy.

Classic Solitaire is excellent for quick, casual play. Spider Solitaire is better suited for those who enjoy a deeper challenge

• Cards alternate by color and are stacked in descending order.
• Aces are placed in the foundation piles first, and suits are built in ascending order.
• Kings can fill empty tableau columns.
• Stockpile cards provide extra options when moves are limited.

Classic Solitaire is about working with what you’ve got and carefully planning your next moves.

Success mostly depends on making the right decisions early on, like moving cards to the foundation or keeping them in the tableau

• Cards are stacked in descending order, but sequences must be removed in the same suit.
• Empty columns are crucial for organizing cards and creating runs.
• Stockpile cards are dealt when no other moves are possible, but the tableau needs to be organized first to make the most of the new cards.

Spider Solitaire demands more foresight and patience. It’s not just about the current move but how that move sets you up for the next five or ten moves.

• Move Aces and Twos to the foundation as soon as they’re available.
• Focus on flipping face-down cards in the tableau to unlock new moves.
• Balance the tableau; avoid creating columns too deep and difficult to manage.
• Use the undo button to test strategies and backtrack if needed.
• Think ahead;, don't rush to move cards to the foundation if it blocks other options. Read our classic solitaire strategy guide to become a better player.

• Start with 1-suit mode if you’re new to the game.
• Use empty columns strategically to reorganize cards and set up runs.
• Prioritize uncovering face-down cards early to expand your options.
• Build sequences on higher-ranked cards to leave room for smaller runs.
• Don’t deal new cards until you’ve exhausted all other moves.

For more strategies, check out Spider Solitaire tips on Arkadium’s blog.

Pick Classic Solitaire if:

• You want a game that’s simple and quick to play.
• You enjoy a balance of luck and strategy.
• You’re new to card games or want a relaxing experience.

Pick Spider Solitaire if:

• You prefer a more strategic game that challenges your planning skills.
• You like difficulty levels that grow with your expertise.
• You enjoy longer, more engaging sessions.

Both games have their strengths, and trying them is the best way to decide. You can play Classic Solitaire and Spider Solitaire for free on Arkadium's website.

Classic Solitaire and Spider Solitaire each offer something unique. Classic Solitaire is straightforward and approachable, while Spider Solitaire provides a more complex and rewarding experience. Whichever you choose, both games are great ways to pass the time and sharpen your mind.