What is Spider Solitaire 4 Suits?
Spider Solitaire 4 Suits is the most challenging variant of classic Spider Solitaire. It uses all four suits (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs) across two decks (104 cards), requiring precise planning and advanced sequence-building because only same-suit descending sequences can be removed from the tableau. This version is designed for experienced players who enjoy deep strategy and long, puzzle-like games.
How to Play Spider Solitaire 4 Suits 🕷️♠️
Setup 🃏
The game uses two full decks (104 cards). Ten tableau columns are dealt: the first four contain six cards each, while the remaining six columns contain five cards each. Only the top card in every column starts face-up — making the opening position both mysterious and exciting.
Objective 🎯
Your mission is to build complete descending sequences from King down to Ace in the same suit. Once you complete a full K→A run, it is removed from the board. Clear all eight sequences (two per suit) to win the game!
How the Cards Move 🔄
- You can place a card onto another card that is one rank higher (e.g., 9 on top of 10), regardless of suit.
- Only sequences fully made of the same suit can be moved together as a group.
- Mixed-suit sequences must be rearranged card-by-card or moved only in same-suit subsections.
Building Sequences 🧩
Focus on creating smooth same-suit chains. Try to uncover face-down cards early — every revealed card opens up new possibilities. If you can, free up an empty column; it’s one of the strongest tools in the game for reorganizing your tableau.
Dealing New Cards ➕
When you deal, a new row of 10 cards is added — one to each tableau column. Keep in mind that you cannot deal new cards if there’s an empty column, so make sure your board is prepared before adding more layers of challenge.
Winning Conditions 🏆
You win the game when all eight same-suit sequences — from King down to Ace — are successfully completed and removed from the tableau. It’s tough, but when that last sequence slides away, the victory feels incredible!
Rules of Spider Solitaire 4 Suits
- Uses two decks (104 cards).
- Only face-up cards may be moved.
- Cards stack downward by rank (K → Q → J → … → A).
- Only sequences that are entirely the same suit can be moved as a unit.
- Empty columns accept any single card or a same-suit sequence.
- You cannot deal new cards if any tableau column is empty.
- The game ends when all eight same-suit sequences are removed or when no moves remain.
Tips & Strategies
Empty a Column Early
An empty column is your most flexible resource. Free columns allow you to temporarily park cards and reorder long sequences.
Focus on Same-Suit Sequences
Prioritize building sequences in the same suit rather than creating many mixed-suit runs that are hard to move.
Avoid Dealing Too Early
Dealing adds complexity and can bury useful face-up cards. Make the most of available moves before dealing new rows.
Uncover Face-Down Cards Quickly
Revealing hidden cards increases your options and often enables cascades that lead to full same-suit sequences.
Use Undo to Learn
When available, use undo to test different lines and discover which sequences unblock the board best.
Advanced Strategies
- Work from right to left when possible to minimize blocking.
- Preserve low-rank cards to aid midgame rearrangement.
- Plan moves several turns ahead, focusing on which face-down cards to reveal next.
Differences Between 1 Suit, 2 Suits, and 4 Suits
1 Suit: Beginner-friendly; almost all moves are more flexible because suit constraints don’t block group moves.
2 Suits: Intermediate—requires better planning and suit-awareness.
4 Suits: Expert mode—most restrictive and strategic; significantly lower win-rate and higher planning requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spider Solitaire 4 Suits the hardest version?
Yes. The four-suit variant is generally considered the most difficult because matching full same-suit sequences is much harder.
Can you always win 4 Suits?
No. Many deals are unwinnable even with perfect play—luck of the deal plays a role alongside skill.
What percentage of 4 Suits games are winnable?
Estimates vary, but typical win rates for 4-suit games are low—often cited around 5–10% depending on skill and ruleset.
Is 4 Suits suitable for beginners?
No. Players should be comfortable with 1-suit and 2-suit variants before attempting 4 suits.
How long does a typical game take?
Game length varies—short games can be 10 minutes; long strategic games may take 30–45 minutes or more.
Does Spider Solitaire require luck or skill?
Both. The initial deal (luck) affects solvability, but strategy and careful planning (skill) determine success on many winnable deals.
Why Spider Solitaire 4 Suits Is Popular
Players who enjoy extended puzzles and deep strategic thought are drawn to the 4-suit variant. It offers a high level of satisfaction when a difficult game is solved, and the low win-rate adds to the challenge and replay value.
Glossary
Tableau The main playing area consisting of columns of cards. Sequence A run of cards in descending order (K→Q→…→A). Foundation Completed K-to-A same-suit sequences that are removed from play. Deal Adding one card to each tableau column from the stock. Empty Column A blank tableau column used for rearranging cards.
History of Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire rose to worldwide recognition in the 1990s after digital versions (notably Microsoft’s Windows editions) introduced it to a broad audience. The 4-suit variant emerged as an expert-level challenge for players seeking deeper strategy.
Play Spider Solitaire Games
Try the game now here!
Looking for other variants? Try Spider Solitaire 1 Suit, Spider Solitaire 2 Suits, or classic Klondike.
Comments (0)