Formula
Spider Solitaire Score Formula
The score is designed to reward efficient play. You can still use undo and hints to learn, but every unnecessary move lowers your final number.
- Starting score: 500 points.
- Each move: -1 point.
- Each undo: -1 point.
- Each completed suit: +100 points.
- Winning ceiling before move costs: 1,300 points.
Benchmark
What Counts as a Good Score?
Judge your score by difficulty. A clean 1-suit game will usually score higher than a hard 4-suit win because 4 suits creates more mixed stacks, more repositioning, and more difficult stock decisions.
- 600-900 points is a typical completed game.
- 900-1,100 points is a strong score.
- 1,100-1,200 points is very efficient.
- 1,200+ points is an exceptional win.
Timer
Use Time as a Second Benchmark
Score rewards efficient moves, while time helps you compare session pace. A fast win is useful, but a careful win with fewer moves often scores better than a rushed game.
- Use the timer to compare repeat attempts on the same difficulty.
- Do not sacrifice clean same-suit sequences just to play faster.
- Daily challenge games are best for fair time and score comparisons.
Strategy
How to Raise Your Score
High scores come from fewer moves. That means every move should reveal information, preserve mobility, build same-suit sequences, or prepare a completed run.
- Reveal hidden cards before making tidy but low-value moves.
- Build same-suit stacks so more cards can move together.
- Use empty columns for productive chain reactions.
- Delay stock deals until the tableau has no useful work left.
- Use undo to learn, then replay cleaner lines when chasing a personal best.