If you have ever asked why can't i deal in spider solitaire, the answer is a rule called the empty column rule. You cannot deal a new row of cards from the stock while any column sits empty. The game blocks the deal action until every one of the ten columns holds at least one card. This is not a bug. It is a deliberate design choice in the classic Windows version and most other versions. To deal, place any card or partial run into each empty column first. The cheapest filler is usually a single card whose removal exposes nothing important, or the top card of a finished-looking run.
What the Empty Column Rule is
Spider Solitaire uses ten columns and a stock of 50 cards. Each deal from the stock places one card on each of the ten columns, so every deal uses ten cards. The stock holds five deals total. When you try to deal and the game refuses, it is because at least one column is empty. The rule states that you must fill every empty column before you can deal again. This applies in the classic Windows version and most others. Some apps offer a relaxed option that allows dealing onto empty columns, but by default the rule is active.
Why the Rule Exists
The empty column rule keeps the game fair and consistent. If you could deal onto an empty column, that column would receive only one card while every other column already holds a stack. Empty columns would accumulate more cards than filled ones, unbalancing the layout. The rule forces you to maintain ten active columns, which keeps the playing field even. It also blocks a strategy where a player intentionally empties a column to get a free card from the stock. That would reduce the challenge. The rule is a version setting, not a bug. It is there by design.
How to Fill an Empty Column Cheaply
Pick the Right Sacrifice Card
When you need to fill an empty column, use a card that costs you as little as possible. Place something in the column without losing a useful card or breaking a run.
- Single card from a completed run. If you have a run that looks finished, such as a King at the bottom, take the top card of that run and place it in the empty column. That top card is isolated and not needed for further moves.
- Card that exposes nothing important. Look for a card whose removal reveals a card already playable elsewhere or that does not block a needed sequence. A 5 sitting on a 6 that you can already move is a safe filler.
- Card from a column with multiple playable cards. If a column has several cards that can be moved, take the top card least likely to be needed soon.
Avoid using a card that is part of a long run you are building, or a card that is the only way to reach a face-down card. The cheapest filler is a single card whose removal exposes nothing important, or the top card of a finished-looking run.
Step by Step Dealing After Filling
- Identify all empty columns. There may be more than one.
- Find a filler card for each empty column. Use the cheap filler rules above.
- Move one filler card into each empty column. Do this one at a time.
- Once every column has at least one card, click the stock or press the deal button.
- The game places one card on each of the ten columns, using ten cards from the stock.
If you have multiple empty columns, you must fill all of them before the deal will work. The game does not allow partial deals.
Common Misunderstandings About the Rule
The Rule Is Not a Bug
Many players think the game is broken when they cannot deal. The empty column rule is intentional. It is a version setting, not a bug. If you are used to a different version that allows dealing onto empty columns, that version uses a relaxed option.
You Cannot Deal Into an Empty Column
Some players try to click the stock while a column is empty, expecting the new card to land there. The game will not allow it. Fill the column first.
Filling With Any Card Works
Any card or run can be placed into an empty column. It does not have to be a specific rank or suit. A single card is enough.
Strategic Note Empty Columns Vs. the Rule
Empty columns are powerful tools for rearranging runs and exposing face-down cards. But the rule forces you to fill them before dealing. If you want to keep an empty column for later use, deal before you empty it, or accept that you cannot deal until you fill it again. Plan your moves so that you do not need a deal while an empty column exists, unless you have a cheap filler ready.
When the Rule Does Not Apply
Some apps offer a relaxed option that allows dealing onto empty columns. In those versions, the game places a card onto the empty column just like any other column. If you are playing a version that does not block the deal, you do not need to fill empty columns first. Check the settings or help menu of your version to see if this option is available. If you are playing on spidersolitairecardgames.com, the rule may be active or relaxed depending on the settings offered. Verify before assuming the rule is in effect.