GAME COMPARISON
Klondike Solitaire vs Spider Solitaire
Klondike and Spider are both popular Solitaire families, but their layouts and decisions are different.
Klondike
Klondike uses one standard deck and seven tableau columns. Cards are built downward by alternating colors, while foundations are built upward by suit.
Spider
Spider traditionally uses two decks and a larger tableau. The emphasis is on building descending sequences and completing full suit sequences.
Side by side
| Klondike | Spider | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | One (52 cards) | Two (104 cards) |
| Tableau | 7 columns | 10 columns |
| Building | Down in alternating colours | Down regardless of suit, but only same-suit runs move together |
| Foundations | Built up by suit, Ace to King, one card at a time | A complete King-to-Ace run of one suit is removed in one go |
| Stock | Turned one or three cards at a time | Deals one card onto every column at once |
| Empty column | Kings only | Any card or run |
Which is easier?
Klondike is usually the simpler starting point because it uses one deck and has a smaller tableau. Spider can provide a deeper planning challenge.
Spider is often played with one, two or four suits. One-suit Spider is easier than most Klondike deals because any card can go on the next rank down. Four-suit Spider is among the hardest common Solitaire games, because mixed-suit runs cannot be moved as a group.
Which should you play?
Choose Klondike for a quick game you can finish in a few minutes. Choose Spider when you want a longer game with more planning. You can play Klondike and Klondike Turn 3 free on SolitaireNest.