Why two suits is the sweet spot
One suit is relaxed and four is a marathon. Two suits sits between them: you still have to sort cards by suit, but you always have at least a couple of sensible moves.
The rules are those of Spider solitaire: build down in any suit, move only same-suit runs, and each complete King-to-Ace run leaves the table. With only two suits, half of your cards are hearts and half are spades, so most piles you build are easy to fix later.
Strategy for two suits
- Decide which suit you are building in. Look at which suit has the longer run near the top and put new cards on cards of that suit whenever you can.
- Separate suits in the columns. A column where hearts and spades alternate is hard to untangle. Spread them out across columns before you deal.
- Do not rush to empty a column at any cost. Clearing it by dumping cards onto a mixed-suit pile can leave you worse off.
- Plan before you deal. Count which cards are blocked and whether the next ten will bury them.
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Frequently asked questions
Which suits are used in two-suit Spider?
Spades and hearts, four copies of each, so 104 cards in all. The rules are exactly the same as in one-suit Spider; the only difference is that cards of the wrong suit now get in your way.
Is two-suit Spider winnable?
Many deals can be won with careful play, although some random deals cannot be won however well you play.
Can I move a red card onto a black card?
Yes. You can place any card on a card that is one rank higher, whatever the colour or suit. You can only lift a run that is all one suit.
How do I switch to one or four suits?
Use the suits switch above the table. Switching loads the saved game for that level, or starts a new one.