Tableau
10 Columns
The tableau is where the game is played. You move cards between columns to uncover hidden cards and build same-suit runs.
Setup Guide
How to Set Up Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire uses 104 cards, 10 tableau columns, and a 50-card stock pile.
Spider Solitaire Setup at a Glance
- 01Remove jokers from two standard decks so you have 104 cards.
- 02Deal 10 tableau columns from left to right.
- 03Put 6 cards in each of the first 4 columns.
- 04Put 5 cards in each of the remaining 6 columns.
- 05Turn the top card of every column face up.
- 06Place the remaining 50 cards face down as the stock pile.
Stock
50 Cards
The stock deals one new card to each tableau column. You can only deal when every column has at least one card.
Goal
8 Runs
Clear eight same-suit sequences from King to Ace. Completed runs leave the tableau automatically.
Card Count
Why Spider Solitaire Uses 104 Cards
The 104-card count matters because every card eventually belongs to one of eight completed King-to-Ace runs. The starting layout uses 54 cards in the tableau and keeps 50 cards in the stock for five future deals.
Read the full Spider Solitaire card-count guideSkip the Deal
Play Spider Solitaire Online
The online game deals the tableau automatically so you can start practicing immediately.
Setup FAQ
How many cards do you need for Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire uses two standard 52-card decks with the jokers removed, for a total of 104 cards.
How many columns are in Spider Solitaire?
Spider Solitaire starts with 10 tableau columns. The first 4 columns get 6 cards each, and the remaining 6 columns get 5 cards each.
How many cards are in the Spider Solitaire stock pile?
After dealing 54 cards to the tableau, the remaining 50 cards form the stock pile. Each stock deal adds one card to every tableau column.
Which cards start face up in Spider Solitaire?
Only the top card of each tableau column starts face up. All cards underneath start face down until uncovered.