This is one of best-known two-deck solitaires, despite the fact that it's an extremely difficult game to win. It seems to inspire a fanatic devotion among some players. Perhaps the rareness of a win makes it all the more satisfying when, once in a while, it does come out.

Due to the number of cards, and the extensive moving of groups of cards, this is one game that generally plays better on a computer than it does by hand.

Rules

Number of Decks: 2

Initial Layout: The tableau consists of ten piles; the first four containing six cards each, and the last six containing five cards each. The top card of each pile is dealt face-up; the rest are dealt face-down. The remainder of the deck forms the stock.

Object: The object of the game is to build eight sequences in suit from king to ace (K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A). Unlike many solitaires, the cards are not moved to foundations, but are built entirely within the tableau. If you succeed in in creating all eight groups, you win.

Play: The top card of each tableau pile is available for play. You may build down, regardless of suit. If cards are both in suit and in sequence, they may be moved as a block from one tableau pile to another. When a face-down card is exposed, turn it face-up. When a space is created, it may be filled with any available card or build. When no more moves are possible, then deal another ten cards from the stock, one to each tableau pile. There is no redeal.

Variations

• Antares - A game combining elements of both Scorpion and FreeCell.
• Beetle - A variation of Spider where all the cards are face up.
• Black Widow - A variation of Spider in which sequences, regardless of suit, may be moved within the tableau.
• Curds and Whey - A Spider variant invented by David Parlett.
• Double Scorpion - Scorpion played with two decks.
• Lady Cadogan - A variation of Rouge et Noir invented by Thomas Warfield.
• Miss Milligan - A challenging mix of Spider and Klondike.
• Miss Muffet - A variation of Curds and Whey, which is a variation of Spider.
• Rouge et Noir - A 2-deck game in which building is done by color (red and black).
• Scorpion - Though difficult to win, this game is a favorite. Using one deck, deal seven tableau piles of seven cards each. The first three piles contain three face-down cards and four face-up cards; the remaining piles are all face-up. The remaining three cards are the reserve. The object is the same as Spider - to build K-A sequences in suit, within the tableau. Cards may be moved singly, or in groups (regardless of sequence). Spaes may only be filled by kings. When no move moves are possible, deal the reserve cards onto the first three tableau piles and continue playing.
• Simple Simon - A cross between Scorpion and Spider.
• Spider Web - A 1-deck variation of Spider.
• Spiderette - A cross between Klondike and Spider.
• Spidike - Another Klondike/Spider hybrid, invented by Thomas Warfield.
• Ukrainian Solitaire - A cross between Russian Solitaire and Spider.

See Also: Spider Solitaire: A Strategy Guide For Beginners, Spider Solitaire - A Winning Strategy