APRIL 2024

Play Spider Solitaire 4 Suits The Game for Experienced Players

Enjoy challenging gameplay in Spider Solitaire 4 Suits

How to Play Spider Solitaire 4 Suits

Written by: Robert Moore | Last updated: 16 June 2023 | Fact check by : Elizabeth Miller

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With 30 years of experience, Robert Moore is an accomplished authority on Solitaire and Mahjong, having delved deep into the rules and advanced strategies of these classic games. About Robert Moore

If you think Spider Solitaire is easy and want a bigger challenge, Spider Solitaire 4 Suits is what you should play. It is one of the most challenging variants of Spider Solitaire that will make even seasoned veterans sweat.

In this article, we will help you become a master of this complex and strategic game so that you can win often.

Overview of Spider Solitaire With 4 Suits

Spider Solitaire 4 Suits - Set Up

Spider Solitaire 4 Suits - Set Up

Playing Spider Solitaire with four suits requires 2 decks of cards, so there will be 104 cards in total. The top card will be facing up for each column.

Like similar games, you will try to arrange all cards of the same suit in descending order from King to Ace. Once the cards are arranged in the right order, they can be moved to the foundation.

Challenge of Playing With 4 Suits vs. Same Suit

Even Spider Solitaire experts struggle to play the 4 suit variation because the four suits add much complexity and difficulty to the game.

You would be surprised to learn that many people don’t even win one game after playing for months. That is why we recommend that you first master Spider Solitaire (with one suit) before you try this one.

How to play the Spider Solitaire Four Suits game

How to play the Spider Solitaire Four Suits game

History and Evolution of Spider Solitaire

Let us look at the history and how this game evolved before we explain the strategy you can use to master it.

Origin of Spider Solitaire

The origin of Spider Solitaire can be traced back to 1917, so it is a relatively new game. There are various sources about this, and some claim the game originated in 1949. We can’t be sure when it originated, but it can’t be denied that it became popular when Microsoft included it in Windows’s 98 Plus package.

4 Suits Variation Spider Games

It is natural to think about new variations of a game when it becomes popular. So the 4 Suits variant of Spider Solitaire was finally introduced to satisfy the players who wanted something more challenging and fun.

Popularity and Journey to Digitial Platforms

4 Suit Spider Solitaire slowly found its way into online platforms and became accessible to players living worldwide. Now you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home, but make sure you are prepared for a difficult game of Solitaire.

Rules of Spider Solitaire 4 Suits

How to move groups in Spider Solitaire 4 Suits

How to move groups in Spider Solitaire 4 Suits

Make sure to master strategy and the Spider Solitaire 4 Suits game by understanding the rules. So let us start!

Layout and Setup of the Game:

  • This game has 2 regular decks of cards, so there are 104 cards in total.
  • The tableau will have 10 columns. The first 4 leftmost columns will have 6 cards, and the remaining 6 columns will have 5 cards. This means there will be 54 cards in the tableau.
  • The top cards of all tableau columns will be kept face up, and the rest will be face down.
  • 50 remaining cards will be placed in the stock, and you can draw cards manually (from the stock) whenever you want.

The Objective in Spider Solitaire Four suits

Spider Solitaire 4 Suits - The Stock

Spider Solitaire 4 Suits - The Stock

There is only one goal in Four Suit Spider Solitaire, and that is to move all cards to the foundation piles. However, you need to follow the rules to do so.

The cards can only be moved to the foundation piles if they are in a descending order that starts with King and ends with Ace and belong to the same suit.

You can follow the steps below to achieve this goal.

  • Arrange the cards in the tableau in descending order by alternating between suits or using the same suit.
  • Uncover hidden cards by moving the cards above them.
  • You can draw cards from the stock if you don’t see any moves.
  • Use the empty pile to place any card stopping you from progressing.

Key Differences 1, 2, and 4 Suits

Here are the various variants of Spider Solitaire.

  • 1 Suit Spider Solitaire: This is the easiest variant that is played with just one suit.
  • 2 Suits Spider Solitaire: 2 Suit Spider Solitaire has 2 suits: spades and hearts. So it is a bit difficult but still manageable.
  • 4 Suits Spider Solitaire: This is the variation that is meant to be played by serious players as it offers you all 4 suits and the opportunity to prove your worth.

Winning Spider Solitaire 4 Suits Strategy

How to Win Spider Solitaire Four Suits

How to Win Spider Solitaire Four Suits

Now it is finally time to discuss the strategy that will allow you to multiply your chances of winning in Four Suits Spider Solitaire card games.

Importance of Organizing the Tableau

The Tableau should be your center of attention, so let us understand how you can organize it.

  • It is best to focus on creating sequences with just one suit because they can be moved together.
  • Try to create an empty tableau column as soon as you can.
  • Don’t fear the overlapping suits and combine the suits when you don’t see any other way to move forward.
  • If you are close to finishing a sequence, focus on finishing it to make the game easier.

Building Sequences and Uncovering Hidden Cards

Here is how you can build the sequences and uncover the cards you need.

  • The only way to win is to create the same suit sequences, so you should focus on doing it sooner rather than later.
  • When you are building sequences with multiple suits, try to use only 2 suits to make the game less complicated.
  • Place any card you need to move in the empty tableau if you don’t see any other option.
  • When the game starts, try to move cards and uncover as many hidden cards as possible. It will become much harder to uncover cards later.

How to Utilize the Stock and Empty Tableau Columns Effectively

Here are some tips for using the stock and emptying tableau columns quickly.

  • Drawing from the stock should be your last resort because the tableau columns get filled quickly, and the game becomes harder.
  • Try to focus on emptying the columns on the right, as they have fewer cards.
  • Empty columns are ideal for creating a complete sequence if the opportunity arises.

Improving Your 4 Suits Gameplay

Here are the best Four Suits Spider Solitaire strategy tips based on your skill level.

Tips for Beginners: Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. The best advice for beginners is to take it slow and familiarize yourself with the card game.
  2. Beginners usually place different suits on top of each other even when it is not necessary. This is a big mistake that you should avoid.
  3. As a beginner, you should always think twice before you draw any cards from the stock.

Advanced Tips: Enhancing Your Decision-Making Skills

  1. Try to remember the cards that you have and the cards that you need so that you can create sequences quickly.
  2. Adapt to the game and use overlapping sequences when you need to. Eventually, you can create sequences with one suit by using cards from overlapping sequences.
  3. The King should be moved to an empty column so that you can start building a complete sequence.

Expert Insights: Unconventional Solitaire Tactics

  1. Reduce the number of times the suits change in sequences with multiple suits.
  2. Embracing the chaos in this game is the only way to persist and find moves that are difficult to find.
  3. Don’t stick to a single strategy but try all methods to stack cards of a single suit.

Four Suit Variations and Customization Options

You can make the game more enjoyable whenever you play online by introducing some rules or customizations. Here are some ideas that you might like.

Alternative Rules for Added Complexity or Variety

  • The ability to create an empty tableau column can be removed to increase difficulty.
  • Don’t use the undo button while playing.
  • Create a scoring system to see how well you are performing compared to previous games.

Customizing the Game’s Appearance and Settings for a Personalized Experience

  • The designs of cards or the background can be changed to bring newness to the gameplay.
  • Use display settings like 3D effects, score, timer, and number of moves to see what you want to see.
  • You can make the game harder by disabling the undo button or setting a time limit.
The Ace completes the sequence in the Spider Solitaire 4 Suits game

The Ace completes the sequence in the Spider Solitaire 4 Suits game

Key Points When Playing Spider Solitaire 4 Suits

Spider Solitaire 4 Suits is not just a game of moving cards, but it is the ultimate test for anyone who loves Solitaire.

The 4 Suits Spider winning statistics are the lowest (compared to other variants of Spider), so you need to be prepared to lose. With each loss, you will learn something new and be able to become a better player.

After you form a complete sequence, the cards automatically move to the foundation. Just utilize every new card well, and you will get there. If you follow our tips, and strategies, and stay consistent, you can defy the odds and often win in Spider Solitaire 4 Suits.

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Four Suits Spider Solitaire – FAQs

Here, we will answer some common questions you might have about Spider Solitaire with 4 suits.

How do I win in Spider Solitare 4 Suits?

You will try to create eight sequences of cards in descending order from King to Ace that also share the same suit. For example, a sequence from King to Ace in descending order with the suit hearts will be one of the eight sequences you need to win.

Why is Spider Solitaire 4 Suits more difficult compared to other variants of Spider Solitaire?

This variant is more difficult because it is the one with the most number of suits, and all four suits are seen in this one. Most new players can’t even imagine solving one sequence until they become more experienced.

What strategies can I use to win more in Four Suit Spider Solitaire?

The strategies we recommend are using the empty columns wisely, uncovering as many new cards as possible, focusing on one suit, avoiding drawing cards quickly, and taking it slow.

How can I avoid common mistakes in Spider Solitaire 4 Suits as a beginner?

Beginners should avoid overlapping suits, drawing cards from the stock prematurely, and rushing to make moves.

What are some customizations or alternative rules I can use in Spider Solitaire with 4 suits?

You can change the card designs and the background or use display settings like 3D effects and timer. If you want to increase the difficulty, you can disable the undo button or set a time limit.

Is it possible to play Spider Solitaire 4 Suits online or offline?

Yes, you can easily find websites or apps to play Spider Solitaire with four suits. Follow the instructions given above to set up the game offline by using 2 decks of cards.