The game's difficulty can vary depending on the number of suits and the specific layout of the cards. Some configurations may make it impossible to clear all the cards, resulting in an unwinnable game. However, the majority of Spider Solitaire games are winnable with the right strategy and moves.

Spider is a type of patience game, and is one of the more popular two-deck solitaire games. The game originates in 1949, and its name comes from a spider's eight legs, referencing the eight foundation piles that must be filled to win the game.