How to Play
1 Suit Spider Solitaire
The Relaxing Version Perfect for Beginners
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Spider Solitaire, you're not alone. The 4 suit version can feel like trying to untangle a pile of Christmas lights while blindfolded. But here's the good news: there's a version designed specifically for people who want to enjoy the game without the frustration.
Spider Solitaire 1 suit strips away the complexity and lets you focus on what makes the game fun. All 104 cards belong to a single suit (usually Spades), which means every descending sequence you build is automatically valid. No more getting stuck because you accidentally mixed Hearts with Clubs. No more watching helplessly as your carefully built stacks become immovable.
This is the version where you can actually relax, learn the mechanics, and win more often than you lose. Sound good? Let's dive in.
What Makes 1 Suit Different?
In regular Spider Solitaire, suits matter a lot. You can stack any card on top of another as long as it's one rank lower, but you can only move a group of cards together if they share the same suit. This creates all sorts of headaches in the 2 and 4 suit versions.
But in easy spider solitaire with one suit? Suits don't matter at all. Well, technically they do matter, but since every single card is the same suit, the rule becomes irrelevant. Every sequence you create is movable. Every stack you build works perfectly.
The Big Difference
In spades only solitaire, when you place a 7 on an 8, then a 6 on that 7, then a 5 on that 6, you've created a valid sequence that can move anywhere. In 4 suit Spider, you'd need all those cards to be the same suit for the sequence to be mobile. That one change makes the game dramatically more forgiving.
Why You Should Start Here
Think of 1 suit Spider Solitaire as the training wheels version of the game. That's not an insult. Training wheels let you learn how to balance and pedal without worrying about falling over. Similarly, this version lets you learn the core mechanics without getting punished for every mistake.
Learn the Flow
You'll quickly understand how to uncover hidden cards, when to use the stockpile, and why empty columns are so valuable. These skills transfer directly to harder modes.
Build Confidence
With a win rate around 60% or higher, you'll actually finish games. Nothing kills motivation faster than losing 10 games in a row. Here, you'll taste victory regularly.
Pure Relaxation
Sometimes you just want to unwind. You don't always need a brain-melting challenge. This version is perfect for a coffee break or winding down before bed.
Practice Planning
Even though it's easier, you still need to think ahead. You'll develop the habit of looking for chain reactions and managing the stockpile wisely.
How to Play: Step by Step
The rules for spider solitaire 1 suit are identical to the standard version. The only difference is that all cards are Spades (or whatever single suit your version uses). Here's how it works:
The Setup
You start with 10 columns of cards. The first four columns have 6 cards each, and the remaining six columns have 5 cards each. Only the top card in each column is face-up. The rest of the deck (50 cards) sits in a stockpile, ready to be dealt when you need more options.
Your Goal
Build eight complete sequences from King down to Ace. Each time you complete a sequence (K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-A), it automatically moves off the board. Clear all eight sequences and you win. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on how to play Spider Solitaire.
Moving Cards
You can move any card onto another card that's exactly one rank higher. Place a 6 on a 7, a Queen on a King, or an Ace on a 2. Since every card is the same suit, you can also move entire sequences at once. Built a nice run from 9 down to 4? You can pick up that whole stack and drop it on a 10.
The Stockpile
When you run out of good moves, click the stockpile to deal one new card to each of your 10 columns. Be careful though. You can only deal if all columns have at least one card. And once you deal, there's no taking it back.
5 Tips for Winning More Often
Even in beginner solitaire mode, a little strategy goes a long way. These tips will help you push your win rate even higher.
Flip Hidden Cards First
Always prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards. The more information you have about what's in your columns, the better decisions you can make. A move that flips a card is almost always better than a move that doesn't.
Create Empty Columns Early
Empty columns are incredibly powerful. They let you temporarily store cards while you reorganize other stacks. Try to empty one of the smaller columns (the ones with 5 cards) as early as possible.
Build Long Sequences
The longer your sequences, the more flexible you become. A run from King to 3 is much more useful than five separate 2-card sequences scattered around the board.
Don't Rush the Stockpile
Every time you deal from the stockpile, you add complexity to all 10 columns at once. Make sure you've exhausted every useful move before clicking that button. Look twice, deal once.
Use Undo Freely
There's no shame in using the undo button. In fact, it's one of the best learning tools available. Made a move and realized something better was possible? Undo it and try again. You'll develop better instincts over time.
What Win Rate Should You Expect?
Here's something that might surprise you: with decent play, you should be winning 60% or more of your 1 suit games. Some experienced players report win rates above 80%. Compare that to the 4 suit version, where even skilled players hover around 30-40%.
Studies suggest that 1 suit Spider Solitaire is winnable nearly 100% of the time with perfect play.
That's right. Almost every deal is mathematically solvable. Your wins come down to skill and decision-making, not luck. If you're losing frequently, it's not because the game is unfair. It means you have room to improve, which is actually encouraging when you think about it.
When Should You Move to 2 Suits?
There's no magic number of wins that qualifies you for the next level. But here are some signs you might be ready:
- You're winning more than 70% of your games
- The games feel a bit too easy or predictable
- You find yourself making moves on autopilot
- You want a new challenge but aren't ready for 4 suits
The 2 suit version uses Spades and Hearts, which introduces the suit-matching mechanic that makes Spider Solitaire famous. It's a noticeable step up in difficulty, but everything you learned in 1 suit mode will help you. Learn more about all the modes in our difficulty modes guide.
Start Playing Today
1 suit Spider Solitaire is more than just "easy mode." It's a genuinely enjoyable way to play one of the world's most popular card games. You get all the satisfaction of building sequences and clearing the board without the frustration that drives people away from harder versions.
Whether you're brand new to Spider Solitaire, returning after years away, or just looking for a way to unwind, this is the perfect place to start. The mechanics are simple, the win rate is high, and every game teaches you something new.
So grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable spot, and deal yourself a game. You've got this.
Ready to experience the relaxing side of Spider Solitaire?