Spider uses two decks in ten columns. The goal is eight complete runs from King down to Ace, each in one suit. Any card can go on a card one rank higher, but only same-suit runs move together, and that difference is the heart of the strategy.
Build in suit whenever you can
A 6 of hearts can go on any 7, but only on the 7 of hearts can it later move as part of a run. When you have a choice, always prefer the same-suit move: mixed runs lock cards in place.
Uncover hidden cards
Only the top card of each column starts face up. Moves that turn a card over give you information and options, so favor them, especially in the columns with the most hidden cards.
Treat empty columns as tools
Any card or run can go into an empty column, which makes it the best tool for rearranging runs into one suit. Don’t fill it with a random card; use it to untangle a mixed run, then free it again.
Deal from the stock at the right moment
Tapping the stock puts a card on every column, which can cover runs you were building. Make every useful move first.
You can’t deal while any column is empty, so fill empty columns before you deal, ideally with a King or a long run.
There are five deals in the stock. Use them when you’re genuinely stuck.
Pick the right number of suits
With 1 suit every run is automatically in suit, which makes it the best way to learn. 2, 3 and 4 suits get steadily harder. Your records are kept separately for each, so move up when you’re winning regularly.
Score well
You start with 500 points, lose 1 for every move and deal, and earn 100 for each finished run. Efficient play, not just winning, gives the best score. Undo is there to try another line.