Spider Solitaire Four Suits

Spider Solitaire Four Suits is the hardest solitaire version, using all four suits and demanding expert planning to clear full runs.

This advanced mode turns Spider into a true puzzle for experienced players who enjoy deep strategy and a steep challenge.

What is Spider Solitaire Four Suits?

Spider Solitaire Four Suits represents the ultimate test of skill among Spider Solitaire variants. The game uses two full decks (104 cards) across all four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. Unlike the easier one-suit and two-suit versions, this edition makes it significantly harder to build long sequences, since each run must stay within the same suit to be moved as a group.

It is the most difficult mode of Spider, ideal for players who have already mastered one-suit and two-suit play and are ready for the ultimate challenge.

Rules and setup

• Decks: Two 52-card decks, 104 cards total, all four suits included.
• Tableau: Ten columns. The first four columns start with six cards each; the other six contain five cards each. Only top cards are face-up.
• Stock: 50 cards remain in the stock, divided into five deals of ten cards each. Each deal places one face-up card on every tableau column.
• Goal: Build complete King-to-Ace descending runs within the same suit. Once complete, the run automatically leaves the tableau.
• Moves: A card can be placed onto another card one rank higher regardless of suit. However, only pure-suit sequences can be moved as packs.
• Empty columns: Any card or valid suited sequence may occupy an empty tableau column, making them powerful tools for reorganizing.

How to play Spider Solitaire Four Suits

1. Scan the tableau for opportunities to build suited chains. Prioritize same-suit stacking whenever possible.
2. Reveal hidden cards early. New cards expand options and improve access to needed suits.
3. Form descending King-to-Ace runs in single suits. Mixed suits can hold space temporarily but cannot complete runs.
4. Use empty columns strategically to rearrange cards into longer suited sequences.
5. Deal from the stock only when necessary and when the tableau is stable enough to handle the influx of ten new cards.

Why Four Suits is so difficult

• Lower chance of suited sequences: With four suits in play, it is rare to have long chains of the same suit available.
• Greater reliance on empty columns: Without open space, reorganizing mixed stacks into suited ones becomes nearly impossible.
• More long-term planning: Every move must consider how it affects the chance to align suits later.
• Lower win rate: Even expert players win far fewer games in four-suit mode compared to one- or two-suit versions.

Advanced strategy tips

• Create multiple empty columns: Two or more open spaces allow deep reorganizing and make suited sequences possible.
• Preserve suited runs: Avoid breaking a same-suit chain unless it directly uncovers hidden cards or creates a stronger opportunity.
• Think beyond immediate moves: Sacrifice short-term gains if it helps align suits later.
• Delay stock deals: Stabilize the tableau before introducing new layers of cards.
• Work evenly across suits: Do not overcommit to one suit; balance your play to keep options open.
• Memorize card positions: Awareness of buried suits helps avoid deadlocks and wasted moves.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Splitting suited sequences unnecessarily, weakening future builds.
• Filling empty columns too quickly without a long-term plan.
• Dealing from the stock with an unstable tableau.
• Over-relying on cross-suit stacks, which trap important cards.

Comparison with other Spider versions

• One-suit: Best for beginners; nearly every run is movable and win rates are high.
• Two-suit: Intermediate; requires more care but remains winnable for patient players.
• Four-suit: Expert; designed for players who seek maximum difficulty and deep strategic play.

Frequently asked questions

How many suits are used?
Four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.

What is the win rate in four-suit Spider?
Significantly lower than other versions. Only a small percentage of games are winnable, even with perfect play.

Is four-suit Spider suitable for beginners?
No. It is best suited for advanced players who already mastered one- and two-suit versions.

What is the key to success?
Careful planning, maximizing empty columns, and maintaining suited sequences whenever possible.

Conclusion

Spider Solitaire Four Suits stands as the ultimate challenge in the Spider family. With every suit in play, fewer sequences align naturally, making each completed run a triumph of planning and skill. Players must rely on patience, foresight, and expert use of empty columns to succeed.

Though the difficulty is steep and win rates are low, the satisfaction of conquering a four-suit game makes it a favorite among dedicated solitaire enthusiasts.