How Spiderette works
Spiderette has the shape of Klondike and the rules of Spider. If you know Spider, you already know how to play it.
- Layout. Seven columns holding 1, 2, 3 up to 7 cards, 28 cards in all, with the last card of each column face up. The other 24 cards are the stock.
- Build down in any suit. A 6 of hearts can go on a 7 of spades. Only the rank has to fit.
- Move same-suit runs. You can pick up a run only if every card is the same suit and in order. Mixed-suit runs have to be taken apart one card at a time.
- Empty columns take any card or any run you can pick up.
- Deal from the stock. One card goes on each column, and every column needs at least one card first. Three deals of seven, then a last deal of three cards.
- Finish runs. Build King down to Ace in one suit and the run flies off the table. Four runs win the game.
Spiderette, Spider and Klondike compared
| Spiderette | Spider | Klondike | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decks | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Columns | 7 | 10 | 7 |
| Build in the columns | Down, any suit | Down, any suit | Down, alternating colours |
| What you can move | Same-suit runs | Same-suit runs | Any ordered run |
| Goal | 4 King-to-Ace runs | 8 King-to-Ace runs | 4 foundations |
See the full Spider rules and strategy or how to play Klondike.
Tips for Spiderette
- Empty a column early. With seven columns an empty one is a big advantage. Go for the shortest column first.
- Keep suits together. Build on a card of the same suit when you can, so your runs stay movable.
- Turn over hidden cards first. There are 21 hidden cards at the start, and you cannot plan around what you cannot see.
- Deal last. Each deal covers every column. Use all your moves before you click the stock.
- Use Undo. It is unlimited, so test a plan and step back.
Other games
Frequently asked questions
What is Spiderette solitaire?
Spiderette is Spider solitaire played with one deck instead of two. It is laid out like Klondike, with seven columns of 1 to 7 cards, but it plays like Spider: you build down in any suit and only move runs of a single suit.
How do you win Spiderette?
Build four complete runs from King down to Ace, each in one suit. A finished run leaves the table by itself, and when the fourth one goes you have won.
How does the stock work in Spiderette?
Click the stock to put one card face up on each column. The stock holds 24 cards, so you get three deals of seven cards and a last deal of three cards onto the first three columns. You cannot deal while a column is empty.
Is Spiderette easier than Spider?
It is a smaller game, so it is quicker, and with only 52 cards there are fewer places for a card to hide. Winning is still not easy: all four suits are in play, so runs break easily. It is closest to four-suit Spider on a smaller table.
What is the difference between Spiderette and Klondike?
Klondike builds in alternating colours and moves any run. Spiderette builds in any suit but only lets you pick up a run of the same suit, and it has no waste pile and no foundations to fill from the table. Finished runs leave on their own.