Klondike, Spider or FreeCell: which solitaire to play?
Compare Klondike, Spider and FreeCell. Learn how the deals, goals and difficulty options differ, then choose a solitaire game for your next session.
Klondike: uncover the hidden cards
Klondike mixes visible cards with hidden ones and a stock. You build alternating-colour columns and move each suit from ace to king onto its foundation. Choose a one-card draw for easier access to the stock or three-card draw for more planning. A useful early question is: which move reveals another hidden card?
Spider: organise long sequences
Spider uses ten columns and asks you to complete eight same-suit runs from king to ace. One suit is a practical starting point for learning how to free columns. Two and four suits add more sorting decisions. Before dealing a new row, look for a way to join runs or open space so the new cards do not bury a useful move.
FreeCell: plan with open information
FreeCell starts with every card visible. Four free cells give temporary storage, but filling them all limits your options. Pick FreeCell if you enjoy working out a sequence of moves before making it. The three games reward different decisions; choose the one whose board you enjoy reading, then use hints when you want help finding a move.
Compare the three layouts
| Game | Visible at the start | Main planning task |
|---|---|---|
| Klondike | Exposed column cards and stock access | Reveal hidden cards and bring waste cards into play. |
| Spider | Exposed bottom cards across ten columns | Build same-suit sequences and preserve rearrangement space. |
| FreeCell | All 52 cards | Plan temporary cells and transfers using visible information. |
Choose according to the decisions you enjoy
If you enjoy uncovering a layout gradually, try draw-one Klondike. A useful move often reveals an unknown card that changes the next plan. If assembling long sequences appeals more, start with one-suit Spider: learn ranks and empty columns before adding suit management.
FreeCell suits advance planning because every card is known, but cells restrict movement. Complete information does not make every decision obvious. Instead of anticipating an unknown card, you choose the order of releasing visible ones. Give each game a specific trial objective and compare which type of decision interests you.
Do not transfer every rule between games
- Do not require a king in every empty column out of Klondike habit: FreeCell and Spider use different conditions.
- Do not move a mixed-suit Spider run like a Klondike sequence. Spider groups require one suit; Klondike sequences alternate colours.
- Do not apply the free-cell capacity formula to other solitaires. It explains transfers specifically in FreeCell.
- Do not treat every stock alike. Klondike reveals waste cards, Spider deals to columns, and FreeCell starts with all cards exposed.
A trial session for comparison
Play one attempt of each and name the decision that required most attention. In Klondike it may be choosing what to uncover; in Spider, separating a mixed run; in FreeCell, releasing an occupied cell. This selects by actual play rather than names or card appearance.
Do not compare the games only by whether you won the first attempt. Understanding a legal move and the choice that blocked progress matters more for learning. The linked guides examine these details. Raise the difficulty once the basic mode makes sense: two-suit Spider or draw-three Klondike adds decisions without replacing the familiar game.
Play now
Questions and answers
Which solitaire is easiest to learn first?
Klondike is a good starting point if you know the classic layout. FreeCell exposes every card, while Spider asks you to manage long sequences.
Are all cards visible in every solitaire?
FreeCell starts with all cards face up. Klondike and Spider include hidden cards, so opening information is part of the decision.
Does a first loss mean the game is too difficult?
No. A useful first session shows which rule or choice was unclear. Try one concrete goal on the next deal instead of judging the game by a single result.