Spider
What is the history of Spider Solitaire?
Cloaked in myth and mystery - the origins of Solitaire (also known as Patience and Klondike) including Spider Solitaire are widely debated, if not a little hazy.
Historians and scientists alike wrangle over the place of origin. France, Germany, and Scandinavia are among the top three. The first record of Solitaire (Patience) was found in a book published in Germany, in 1788. However, there are accounts of French prisoners first playing Solitaire whilst shackled in Royal French jail cells. The legend continues with rumours of a French aristocrat inventing the game whilst also in confinement! If we consider that many terms used in Solitaire are taken from the French language - penitentiary Patience could very well be true!
Spider Solitaire - one of the most popular two-deck games - hasn’t been around as long as other Solitaire varieties but has proved to be just as popular. Believed to have originated in 1948, aptly named due to the eight-legged arachnids and the eight foundation piles found in the game.
A resurgence of this popular mentally challenging and tactical timewaster arrived in the 90s when Microsoft included card games in their Windows software - reaching a new and huge audience!
Legend reveals that following his defeat in the Napoleonic Wars and exile to the small British Island of St Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte kept his mental agility sharp by playing long, and sadly solitary games of Solitaire.
Solitaire is mentioned in many books and films, including the infamous film Jaws. Even the lead star; a people-snacking Great White Shark, didn’t stop the player from completing that deal!
Where does the word Solitaire come from?
The word solitaire comes from the Latin adjective ‘solitarius’ meaning ‘lonely, isolated’. It first appeared in English around 1500 and used to mean a ‘widow’ - a person who lives in solitude; a recluse. By the early 1700s, the word solitaire came to mean ‘recluse’. The meaning referring to a card game played by one person, involving bringing shuffled cards into sequence - first appeared in English in 1746.
How do you play Spider Solitaire?
Considered to be one of the more difficult solo card games mainly due to the multiple suits you can play with. Whatever your experience, we want everyone to learn to love Solitaire - so let’s dig into some tips on how to play Spider Solitaire.
The purpose of the game.
The goal of Spider Solitaire is to build stacks of cards onto foundation piles, assembling 13 cards in a suit, in ascending sequence from Ace to King.
Arrange a sequence or column of cards on the tableau using cards of the same suit and in descending order. A sequence can only be removed from the tableau onto the foundation piles once it is fully assembled K, Q, J, 10-2, and A. Aces are low.
Sequences of cards can be split and moved as desired as long as they are the same suit. Bring the stock (deal) pile into play by tapping it to deal a new card onto each tableau column - as long as there is at least one card already there. The game is over once all cards are sorted into their foundations and removed from the tableau.
Tips on how to play Spider Solitaire.
For our Flick Spider Solitaire if the cards appear too small - try rotating your device.
Choose to play 1, 2 or 4-suit Spider to find the perfect challenge.
Move cards by either flicking, tapping or dragging cards around the table.
Cards can be moved onto any card with a higher value, even onto a card of a different suit
If a card is placed onto a card of a different suit it blocks the cards above.
Completing a single-suit sequence A-K will clear cards to the foundations.
Move cards to a space to free up blocked cards underneath.
Tap the deck to deal a card onto each column.
All Flick Spider Solitaire levels are solvable!
If you get stuck try using the hint or undo buttons.
Don’t forget you can learn as you play! We have beginner-friendly tutorials available in-game anytime you need them.
Can I play Spider Solitaire for free?
Flick Solitaire features Classic Solitaire (Patience/Klondike), Pyramid, Elevens card game and Spider Solitaire, available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Search ‘Flick Solitaire’ on your device or download it here.
With brand-new sparkly features and a more rewarding card collection system, players are in control to collect the cards they love! Complete deals to win cards and coins! Choose the decks you want to unlock to complete your card collection faster. As you win duplicate cards you can upgrade to spectacular, shiny versions and make your decks dazzle!
Our in-game gallery features all of our beautiful decks designed by amazing and diverse artists, with tappable buttons to learn more about each one.
Enjoy our Daily Challenges and Rewards - all free - to win more coins and cards and complete your deck.
Sharpen your Flick with our extra game mode Fastest Flicker. Challenge yourself by simply flicking cards to the matching suit - all the free fun you can have!