Spider Solitaire vs Klondike vs FreeCell
Klondike is the common “Windows Solitaire.” FreeCell uses open cells as helpers. Spider Solitaire uses two decks, ten columns, and same-suit King-to-Ace clears—a longer, more strategic patience game.
| Spider | Klondike | FreeCell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decks | Two (104 cards) | One (52) | One (52) |
| Layout | Ten columns | Seven columns + stock | Eight columns + four free cells |
| Win condition | Eight same-suit King-to-Ace runs | Four Ace-up suit foundations | Four Ace-up suit foundations |
| Feel | Long session, empty-column tactics | Faster, luck of the draw | Nearly all deals solvable with planning |
When should you play Spider?
Choose Spider if you want a deeper tableau puzzle than Klondike, with 1-suit for learning and 4-suit for the classic hard mix. SpiderImp adds a shared Daily deal and local move/time scores—no download.
How is Spider different on the table?
You build down by rank on the columns, but you only remove a run when it is the same suit from King to Ace. You may not deal while a column is empty. Those two rules drive most strategy. See Spider rules and strategy.