Comparison
Spider vs Simple Simon
| Spider | Simple Simon | |
|---|---|---|
| Decks | 2 decks | One deck |
| Suits | 4 | 4 |
| Typical length | 20 min | 12 min |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| How much skill matters | High | High |
| How much the shuffle matters | Low | Low |
| Family | Spider family | Spider family |
| Good for beginners | No | No |
We have not written a verdict for this pairing. The comparison above is drawn from each game's own recorded facts — follow either link for its full rules and strategy.
Spider
Build same-suit sequences from King to Ace across ten tableau columns using two full decks and four suits.
Two full decks are dealt into ten columns — 54 cards, with the last of each column face up. Columns build downward by rank, and here the suit does not matter for placing a single card: any nine goes onto any ten.
Simple Simon
A single-deck relative of Spider — build same-suit runs across a pyramid-shaped tableau.
All 52 cards are dealt face up into ten columns — three of eight, then descending from seven down to one, giving the tableau its stepped shape. Columns build down by rank with suit ignored for placing a single card, exactly as in Spider.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is harder, Spider or Simple Simon?
- Spider is generally rated intermediate difficulty, while Simple Simon is rated intermediate — the two are broadly comparable in difficulty.