What AARP Spider Solitaire is and how to play it

AARP Spider Solitaire is a free card game available on the AARP website and mobile app. It is a version of the classic solitaire game where you arrange cards in descending order (King down to Ace) within eight columns on the playing board. Unlike standard solitaire, Spider uses two decks of cards and requires you to build sequences of the same suit to clear them from the table.

The goal is to remove all cards by creating complete runs from King to Ace in the same suit. When you complete a run, those cards disappear from the board. The game ends when you either clear the entire board (a win) or run out of moves and have no more cards to draw from the deck.

You can play Spider Solitaire in three difficulty levels: one suit (easiest), two suits (medium), or four suits (hardest). The one-suit version uses only hearts, making it simpler because any card can go on top of any other card in descending order. The four-suit version requires strict suit matching, which makes it much more challenging.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Spider Solitaire is played by arranging cards in descending sequences, with the goal of clearing all cards from the board.
  • The game offers three difficulty levels based on how many suits are in play, from one suit (easiest) to four suits (hardest).
  • You can play directly on the AARP website or read the AARP Games app on your phone or tablet.
  • The game keeps track of your statistics, including wins, losses, and your current streak.

Where to find and access AARP Spider Solitaire

AARP Spider Solitaire is available on the AARP Games website at games.aarp.org. You do not need to pay anything to play. You can start a game when ready by visiting the site in any web browser on your computer, tablet, or phone.

If you prefer to play on a mobile device, you can read the AARP Games app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (for Android phones and tablets). The app works the same way as the website version and syncs your game history if you use the same AARP account on both.

To use some features like saving your statistics and competing on leaderboards, you may be asked to create or sign into an AARP account. This account is also free. You can create one using an email address, or you can sign in through Facebook or Google if you prefer.

How the scoring system works

AARP Spider Solitaire tracks your performance through a straightforward scoring system. Each completed run (a sequence from King to Ace in the same suit) removes cards from the board and counts toward your win. The game displays your total wins, losses, and current winning streak at the top of the screen.

The difficulty level you choose affects your statistics separately. If you play one-suit Spider, your wins and losses are recorded in that category. If you switch to four-suit Spider, those games are tracked separately. This means you can see how you perform at each difficulty level without the easier games mixing with the harder ones.

Some versions of the game also show you how long each game took to complete. This can help you track whether you are solving puzzles faster over time as you become more familiar with the strategy.

Basic strategy tips for winning more games

The most important rule in Spider Solitaire is to expose hidden cards whenever possible. Cards face-down underneath other cards cannot be used, so your first goal should be to clear cards on top of them. This often means moving cards even if it does not when ready help you build a sequence.

Try to keep at least one empty column open. An empty column acts like a temporary holding space where you can move a card or a sequence of cards to free up space below. Without an empty column, you become stuck much faster because you cannot rearrange the cards you need.

In the easier one-suit version, focus on building long sequences before you draw new cards from the deck. In the harder versions with multiple suits, you may need to draw cards sooner because suit-matching is stricter. Watch which suits are already on the board before you draw, so you know what you are working with.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the game is running slowly or freezing, try refreshing your browser or closing and reopening the app. Make sure your internet connection is stable, especially if you are playing on a phone or tablet. If you are using an older device, the game may run more smoothly if you close other apps running in the background.

If your game statistics are not saving, check that you are signed into your AARP account. Games played while you are not signed in may not be recorded in your permanent history. You can sign in at any time by clicking the account icon, usually located in the top corner of the screen.

If you cannot find Spider Solitaire on the AARP Games site, look for it in the "Card Games" or "Classic Games" category. The site organizes games by type, so Spider may not appear on the main page if you have not filtered by category. You can also use the search function to type "Spider" directly.

Other solitaire games available on AARP Games

AARP Games offers several other solitaire variations beyond Spider. Klondike Solitaire is the most common version, where you move cards from a deck to four foundation piles in suit order. FreeCell gives you four free cells to temporarily hold cards, making it easier to maneuver than Klondike. Pyramid Solitaire uses a different board layout shaped like a pyramid and has its own set of rules.

Each game has its own difficulty settings and scoring system. If you enjoy Spider but want to try something different, you can switch between games without losing your Spider statistics. Many players rotate between different solitaire games depending on their mood or how much time they have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to play AARP Spider Solitaire?

No. AARP Spider Solitaire is completely free to play. You do not need to pay for the game itself, the AARP Games app, or an AARP account. The game is supported by AARP as a service to its members and the public.

Can I play AARP Spider Solitaire offline?

The website version requires an internet connection. The mobile app may allow offline play depending on your device and the app version, but you will need to be online to sync your statistics back to your account. Check your app settings to see if offline mode is available.

What is the difference between one-suit and four-suit Spider?

One-suit Spider uses only hearts, so any card can go on top of any other card as long as it is one rank lower. Four-suit Spider uses all four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades), and cards can only go on top of another card if they are the same suit and one rank lower. Four-suit is much harder because you have fewer legal moves.

Will playing AARP Spider Solitaire help my brain?

Card games like Spider Solitaire involve memory, planning, and problem-solving, which are mental activities. Whether games improve brain health is still being studied. Playing games you enjoy is a good reason to play them, and they can be a relaxing way to spend time.

Can I compete against other players?

AARP Games has leaderboards where you can see how your scores compare to other players. You are not playing against them in real time, but you can track your rank in the one-suit, two-suit, and four-suit categories. Check the leaderboard section on the AARP Games site to see where you stand.