Simple Simon Solitaire: Master the Fun Spider-Style Card Game

Looking for a fresh twist on Spider Solitaire? Simple Simon Solitaire deals all 52 cards face-up from the start, so you dive straight into strategy (no stock, no redeals!). It’s a fast, exciting variant where every move counts. Best of all, you can play it free and online right now. Play Simple Simon Solitaire to test your skills and clear the deck!

How to Play

• Setup: One 52-card deck is dealt face-up into 10 tableau columns. The first three columns hold 8 cards each, the fourth has 7, continuing down to the tenth column with 1 card.
• Goal: Form all four suit sequences in descending order from King down to Ace. Each completed King-to-Ace sequence of the same suit automatically moves to the foundations.
• Moves: You can place any card on a card one rank higher (for example, 9♠ on 10♥), regardless of suit. However, only descending sequences in the same suit can move together as a block. For example, a stack like 8♣-7♣-6♣ can shift to another pile.
• Empty Columns: Any single card or valid same-suit sequence can fill an empty column. Use empty spaces to rearrange cards and uncover buried cards.
• No Stock: There is no draw pile or redeals – all cards are in play from the start, so think carefully about each move.

Rules

• Build down: Place each card on another card one rank higher, regardless of suit. No card can be placed on an Ace.
• Sequence movement: Only descending sequences in the same suit can move together as a block. Other moves transfer one card at a time.
• Empty spaces: Any card or valid same-suit sequence can fill an empty tableau column.
• Objective: Form and clear suit sequences from King down to Ace. Each completed suit is removed to the foundations, freeing 13 cards and a column.
• Initial layout: All 52 cards are dealt face-up into ten columns (8-8-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1).

Strategies

• Plan ahead: Since all cards are visible, take a moment to study the tableau. Decide which suits and cards to free first to maximize future moves.
• Build same-suit runs: Focus on creating long descending sequences in one suit. They move as one unit, dramatically increasing your options.
• Use empty columns: Treat each empty pile as a bonus holding space. Move kings or parts of sequences there to unlock buried cards. You can even shuffle cards FreeCell-style by parking them temporarily in empties to rebuild sequences.
• Clear small piles first: Target the shorter columns (usually on the right). They take fewer moves to empty and provide additional space to juggle cards.
• Mind the aces: Aces are dead ends—nothing can be placed on them. If an Ace tops a pile, that column stays locked until you complete its suit.
• Finish sequences fast: Completed runs from King to Ace clear out automatically, freeing up all 13 cards. Dropping a full suit quickly opens new space and brings you closer to victory.
• Practice and experiment: Many Simple Simon Solitaire games are winnable with the right approach. Keep trying different moves—each game you play sharpens your strategy!

Ready to test your skills? Play Simple Simon Solitaire free online on SolitaireX and see if you can clear the tableau!

Case Studies

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