Spiderette

What is Spiderette?

Spiderette Solitaire is a captivating single-player card game that combines the strategic depth of classic solitaire with a compact and faster-paced layout. Often described as a smaller, more approachable version of Spider Solitaire, Spiderette is played with just one standard 52-card deck and seven tableau piles, making games quicker while still delivering the same satisfying challenge of building sequences in suit from King down to Ace.

Its popularity comes from the perfect balance it strikes: easier and shorter than full Spider Solitaire yet more challenging than Klondike, offering an ideal experience for players who want engaging solitaire sessions without committing hours to a single game. The reduced scale creates frequent decision points and a high skill ceiling, which keeps enthusiasts coming back.

Spiderette first gained widespread recognition in the 20th century through various solitaire collections and later surged in popularity with the rise of digital card games. According to solitaire historians, it is believed to have originated as a variation created by card game enthusiasts looking for a more portable alternative to larger Spider layouts.

How to Play Spiderette 🕸️

Setup 🃏

• Use one standard 52-card deck — simple and classic! 🎴
• Create seven tableau piles: the first pile gets 1 card, the second gets 2, and so on up to 7 cards. 📚
• Only the top card of each pile is face-up at the start, while the others stay hidden. 👀
• The remaining cards form the stock (draw pile), ready for later deals. 🔄

Objective 🎯

Your goal is to build complete descending sequences from King down to Ace within the tableau. When you finish a full same-suit sequence, it’s automatically removed. Clear every sequence to win the game! 🏆

How to Move Cards ↔️

• You may move any face-up card or a correctly ordered descending sequence of cards. 📉
• Only same-suit runs can be removed as completed sequences. ♠️♥️
• You can place any card on an empty tableau pile for flexibility.
• When you’re out of moves, deal a new row of cards from the stock (if allowed). 🔃

Building & Completing Sequences 🧩

Build sequences in strict descending order (K, Q, J, 10, …, A). Once a full same-suit King-to-Ace sequence is completed, it clears from the board. Smart players focus on uncovering hidden cards early and forming clean same-suit runs. 🔍✨

Winning & Scoring 🏁

You win after completing and removing all four same-suit sequences (K→A). Some online versions also include scoring systems based on your speed, number of moves, or completed sequences. Aim high! ⭐

Spiderette Rules

1. Single 52-card deck.
2. Seven tableau piles, dealt 1 through 7 cards respectively; only top cards are face-up.
3. Build descending sequences; only same-suit sequences count for completion.
4. Completed King-to-Ace same-suit runs are removed from the tableau.
5. Deal from stock only when allowed and when it won’t violate the rule that each pile must have at least one card (implementation dependent).

Tips and Strategies

Beginner Tips

• Open hidden cards early: prioritize moves that flip face-down cards.
• Create empty columns: keep at least one empty pile to increase mobility.
• Move kings carefully: kings anchor sequences — place them only when useful.

Advanced Strategies

• Prioritize same-suit runs: mixed-suit stacks hamper sequence completion.
• Plan multiple moves ahead: anticipate how moves will free or block key cards.
• Avoid premature deals: dealing new cards too early can reduce maneuverability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Stacking mixed suits early — makes future restructuring difficult.
• Dealing from stock too soon — removes flexibility to reorganize the tableau.
• Neglecting empty piles — losing empty columns limits large sequence moves.
• Focusing on low-value optimizations over uncovering hidden cards.

Spiderette Variants

• Spiderette One Suit – simplified version for beginners.
• Spiderette Two Suits – medium difficulty requiring more strategy.
• Spiderette Four Suits – extended variant for advanced players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Spiderette easier than Spider Solitaire?

Yes. Spiderette uses one deck and fewer piles, making it shorter and more approachable while still offering strategic challenge.

Can I move mixed-suit sequences?

No, you cannot move mixed suit sequences, you can leave them as is temporarily, but they do not count as complete sequences until cards are arranged by suit.

How many sequences must be completed to win?

You must complete and remove all four suit sequences (King to Ace) to win.

Does Spiderette support undo?

This game allows you to undo. Take advantage of this feature to win the game.