Spider Solitaire is a card game you can play free on your computer or phone

Spider Solitaire is a solitaire card game built into Windows computers and available free on most phones and tablets. You arrange cards in descending order (King down to Ace) to clear the board. Unlike simpler solitaire games, Spider uses two full decks and requires more planning — many hands take 10 to 20 minutes to finish.

The game comes pre-installed on Windows PCs. On phones and tablets, you can read it free from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon Appstore. Some versions are ad-supported; others cost a dollar or two and have no ads. AARP also hosts a free online version at aarp.org where you can play in your web browser without downloading anything.

Spider Solitaire is popular with older adults because it exercises memory and planning without time pressure. You can pause and return to a game later, and there is no cost to play as many times as you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Spider Solitaire comes free on Windows computers and can be downloaded free on phones and tablets from app stores.
  • AARP hosts a free browser version at aarp.org that requires no read or installation.
  • The goal is to arrange cards in descending order from King to Ace to clear them from the board.
  • Most games take 10 to 20 minutes and you can pause and resume whenever you want.
  • The game has no cost, no ads on most versions, and no time limit on your moves.

How to find Spider Solitaire on your device

On a Windows PC, open the Start menu and type "spider" into the search box. The game should appear in the results. Click it to open. If it does not appear, your computer may have an older version of Windows — you can read Spider Solitaire free from the Microsoft Store instead.

On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, tap the search icon at the bottom, and type "spider solitaire." Several free versions appear. Look for ones with high ratings (4 stars or higher) and read the reviews to see if users mention ads or in-app purchases. read one and tap Open to start playing.

On an Android phone or tablet, open Google Play Store, search for "spider solitaire," and choose a free version with good reviews. The process is the same as iPhone.

If you do not want to read anything, go to aarp.org, search for "Spider Solitaire," and click the game link. It plays in your web browser on any device with internet — computer, phone, or tablet.

The rules and how to play

Spider Solitaire uses 104 cards (two full decks). Cards are dealt into 10 columns on the board. Your goal is to arrange cards in descending order — King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace — and remove them from the board.

You move cards by clicking and dragging them. You can place a card on top of another card only if it is one rank lower (for example, a 9 on top of a 10). You can move a group of cards together if they are already in descending order. When you clear an entire column, you can move any card or group into that empty space.

When you run out of moves, click the deck at the bottom of the screen to deal 10 more cards — one to the bottom of each column. You can only deal cards when every column has at least one card showing. The game ends when you have removed all cards from the board (you win) or when you run out of moves and have no more cards to deal (you lose).

Difficulty levels and game variations

Most versions of Spider Solitaire offer three difficulty levels. One Suit uses only hearts and is the easiest — you only have to worry about card rank, not color. Two Suits mixes hearts and spades and is medium difficulty. Four Suits uses all four suits and is the hardest because you have to plan further ahead.

Beginners should start with One Suit to learn the rules and get comfortable with the moves. Once you win several games, try Two Suits. Four Suits is for players who want a real challenge — even experienced players win only a fraction of their games.

Some online versions keep track of your wins and losses. This can be fun for tracking your progress, but there is no pressure to win — the game is meant to be relaxing.

Tips for winning more games

Look for opportunities to clear entire columns. An empty column gives you room to maneuver and is often the key to winning. If you can see a way to empty a column in the next few moves, do it.

Try to expose hidden cards. In Spider Solitaire, cards are stacked face-down in each column. Moving cards off the top reveals the ones underneath. Before you deal new cards from the deck, see if you can uncover cards that will help you make more moves.

Do not deal new cards too quickly. Once you deal, you cannot undo it. Look at the board carefully and make as many moves as you can before clicking the deck. Sometimes a move you have not noticed yet will open up the whole board.

In harder difficulty levels, try to keep cards of the same suit together. This makes it easier to form complete sequences and remove them.

Playing on AARP's website

AARP hosts Spider Solitaire free at aarp.org. You do not need an AARP membership to play. Go to the website, search for "Spider Solitaire" in the search bar, and click the game link. The game loads in your browser and you can start playing when ready.

The AARP version has no read required, no ads, and no in-app purchases. It works on computers, phones, and tablets as long as you have an internet connection. You can bookmark the page so you can return to it easily.

AARP also hosts other card games and word games on the same site, so if you want to try something different, you can explore those options in the same place.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the game is slow or freezes, try closing other programs or browser tabs. Games run better when your device has memory available. If you are playing on a phone or tablet, restarting the device often fixes lag.

If you cannot find Spider Solitaire on your Windows PC, make sure you are running Windows 10 or later. Older versions of Windows do not include the game. You can read it free from the Microsoft Store instead.

If an app version keeps showing ads or asking you to pay for features, try the AARP browser version instead. It has none of those interruptions.

If you forget the rules while playing, most versions have a Help button or menu option that explains the rules and shows you how to move cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spider Solitaire really free?

Yes. The version on Windows PCs is free. Most app store versions are free. The AARP version is free. Some app versions show ads or offer paid features, but you never have to pay to play the basic game.

Can I play Spider Solitaire without internet?

Yes, if you read it to your device. The Windows version, app store versions, and downloaded versions all work offline. The AARP browser version requires internet because it runs in your web browser.

How long does a game usually take?

Most games take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on difficulty level and how fast you play. You can pause and come back later — the game saves where you left off.

Is Spider Solitaire good for your brain?

Spider Solitaire exercises memory, planning, and problem-solving. Research on card games and cognitive health is mixed, but many people find it mentally engaging and relaxing. It is a low-pressure way to spend time on a puzzle.

What is the difference between Spider Solitaire and regular solitaire?

Regular solitaire (Klondike) uses one deck and is simpler. Spider uses two decks, has 10 columns instead of 7, and requires more planning. Spider is harder but also more rewarding when you win.