About Spider
Spider is a popular game played with two packs of cards. Like all true arachnids, Spider has given birth to a huge number of children (some naughty, some nice!).
Most Spider-style games have three elements in common:
- Tableau Stacks
- Where cards are organized into complete sequences in order to win the game
- Deck
- Deals cards directly to the Tableau Stacks, and
- Collections
- Completed Tableau sequences are automatically moved to this area. Cards stored here can no longer be played.
To Win
Build sequences of cards in descending value from King to Ace, in same suit, within the Tableau:
e.g. K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A (all Hearts)
Completed sequences are automatically removed to the Collection Piles. The game is won when every Collection contains 13 cards.
Building within the Tableau
Only face-up cards are playable.
Some games allow sequences to be moved and built in alternating color, or regardless of suit. However, the cards will not be removed to the Collections until the cards are organized in same-suit.
Dealing
Clicking on the Deck
(Keyboard Shortcut: spacebar) will deal out one card to each Tableau Stack. When empty, the Deck cannot be restocked.
The Deck cannot be used when there are empty Tableau spaces.
Hints
Whenever possible, try to build Tableau Stack sequences in the same suit.
Uncover face-down cards as soon as you can.
Create empty Tableau Stacks early and don't put Kings on the empty Stack too soon.
Variants
Baby Spiderette
A much more winnable variation of Spiderette, using one pack of cards.
Sequences of cards built in descending value and any suit can be moved between the Tableau Stacks.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences in same-suit are automatically removed from play.
Black Widow
A more winnable version of Spider.
Sequences of cards can be moved if they build in descending value in any suit.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences in same suit are automatically removed from play.
Double Scorpion
Uses two packs of cards. Easier than single-pack Scorpion.
To win, build eight complete sequences of cards in descending value and same-suit within the Tableau. These sequences are not removed from play!
Any face-up card, regardless of its position in a Tableau Stack, can be moved to the front of another Tableau Stack if the card builds down in same-suit. (All the cards on top of it will also be moved.)
Only a King can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
Easthaven
An interesting blend of Spider and Classic Klondike.
To win, build each Foundation pile in ascending value from Ace to King in same-suit.
Build the Tableau stacks in descending value in alternating color.
Only a King can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
The Deck deals 7 cards at a time to the Tableau so make sure you've made all the moves you can.
RedBlack Spider
A popular, easier version of Spider using only the Hearts and Spades suits.
Sequences of cards can be moved if they build in descending value in same color.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences in same suit are automatically removed from play.
Scorpion
Uses one pack of cards.
To win, build four complete sequences of cards in descending value and same-suit within the Tableau. These sequences are not removed from play!
Any face-up card, regardless of its position in a Tableau Stack, can be moved to the front of another Tableau Stack if the card builds down in same-suit. (All the cards on top of it will also be moved.)
Only a King can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
Scorpion II
A version of Scorpion using fewer face-down cards and a slightly different layout.
To win, build four complete sequences of cards in descending value and same-suit within the Tableau. These sequences are not removed from play!
Any face-up card, regardless of its position in a Tableau Stack, can be moved to the front of another Tableau Stack if the card builds down in same-suit. (All the cards on top of it will also be moved.)
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
Also known as Wasp.
Single Suit Spider
An easier version of Spider, using only Spades.
Sequences of cards built in descending value may be moved between the Tableau Stacks.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences are automatically removed from play.
Spiderette
Uses one pack of cards.
Tableau Stacks can be built in descending value in any suit. However, a group of cards can be moved only if built downward in the same suit.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences in same-suit are automatically removed from play.
Games are usually short, but have a low win rate.
Tarantula
A harder game than Black Widow but more winnable than Spider.
Sequences of cards can be moved if they build in descending value in the same color within the Tableau.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences in the same color are automatically removed from play.
Wasp
A version of Scorpion using fewer face-down cards and a slightly different layout.
To win, build four complete sequences of cards in descending value and same-suit within the Tableau. These sequences are not removed from play!
Any face-up card, regardless of its position in a Tableau Stack, can be moved to the front of another Tableau Stack if the card builds down in same-suit. (All the cards on top of it will also be moved.)
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
Also known as Scorpion II.
Will O' The Wisp
A miniature version of Spider using only one pack of cards.
Tableau Stacks can be built in descending value in any suit. However, a group of cards can be moved only if built downward in the same suit.
Any card can be placed on an empty Tableau Stack.
King-to-Ace sequences in same-suit are automatically removed from play.
