How to Play Scorpion Solitaire
Scorpion Solitaire is a fascinating card game that combines the same-suit building of Spider with a unique twist: you can move any face-up card along with everything below it, regardless of sequence. This creates rich strategic possibilities unlike any other solitaire variant.
Setup
Scorpion uses one standard 52-card deck. The deal creates a 7×7 tableau with 3 cards held in reserve:
- Columns 1–4: 7 cards each — the top 3 are dealt face-down, the bottom 4 face-up
- Columns 5–7: 7 cards each — all 7 dealt face-up
- Reserve: 3 remaining cards, set aside face-down
Total: 49 cards on the tableau + 3 in reserve = 52 cards.
Objective
Build four complete same-suit sequences from King down to Ace within the tableau. When a complete K→A run forms at the bottom of a column, it's automatically removed. Remove all four suits to win.
Rules
Moving Cards
- You may pick up any face-up card in the tableau, along with all cards below it in that column — even if they don't form a proper sequence
- To place cards on a column, the top card of the group you're moving must be the same suit and one rank lower than the card at the bottom of the target column
- Example: You can place a 7♠ (plus whatever is below it) onto an 8♠
Empty Columns
Empty columns can only be filled with a King (or a group of cards led by a King). This restriction makes empty columns both powerful and precious — use them wisely.
Face-Down Cards
When all face-up cards above a face-down card are moved away, the face-down card is automatically flipped face-up. Uncovering face-down cards is a key part of the strategy — you need to see all cards to plan your runs.
The Reserve
When you're stuck, you can deal the 3 reserve cards — one card is added to the bottom of each of the first three columns. You can only deal the reserve once, so time it carefully.
Completing Runs
When a complete same-suit sequence from King down to Ace forms at the bottom of any column (all 13 cards of one suit in descending order), the entire run is removed from the game with a celebration animation.
Strategy Tips
- Uncover face-down cards first. Your top priority should be exposing the 12 hidden cards in columns 1–4. You can't plan effectively when a quarter of the deck is hidden.
- Build from Kings down. Start assembling same-suit sequences from the King. A King at the bottom of a column with cards building down in suit is progress toward a completed run.
- Don't create empty columns too early. Empty columns require Kings to fill, and if you don't have a King ready, you've just wasted a column. Plan ahead.
- Use the “any card” move wisely. Just because youcan move any face-up card doesn't mean you should. Moving a card with a messy pile below it can create more problems than it solves.
- Save the reserve for when you're truly stuck. The 3 reserve cards are your last resort. Dealing too early wastes the option of having them when you really need a breakthrough.
- Focus on one suit at a time. Trying to build all four suits simultaneously spreads your options too thin. Pick the suit closest to completion and concentrate your moves there.
Scorpion vs Spider vs Yukon
| Feature | Scorpion | Spider | Yukon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decks | 1 | 1–2 | 1 |
| Building Rule | Same suit | Any suit (same suit to move) | Alternating color |
| Move Any Face-Up Card | ✅ Yes | ❌ Sequences only | ✅ Yes |
| Runs Vanish | ✅ K→A same suit | ✅ K→A same suit | ❌ Build to foundations |
| Empty Column Fill | Kings only | Any card | Kings only |
| Win Rate | ~50% | ~30–99% | ~70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scorpion Solitaire?
Scorpion Solitaire is a challenging card game played with one 52-card deck. Its unique mechanic lets you move any face-up card plus all cards below it, regardless of sequence. The goal is to build four complete same-suit K→A runs in the tableau.
How is Scorpion different from Spider?
Both use same-suit building and remove completed runs, but Scorpion lets you move any face-up card (not just proper sequences). Scorpion uses 1 deck with face-down cards, while Spider uses 1–2 decks with a stock pile.
What can fill an empty column?
Only Kings or groups led by a King. This restriction is critical to strategy — don't empty a column unless you have a King ready.
When should I deal the reserve?
Deal the reserve when you're truly stuck with no productive moves. The 3 cards go to the first three columns and may open new possibilities.
Is Scorpion Solitaire hard to win?
Scorpion has about a 50% win rate for skilled players. The face-down cards and King-only empty columns add significant challenge compared to games like FreeCell (~82%) or Klondike (~30%).
Can I move non-sequential groups of cards?
Yes! This is Scorpion's defining feature. You can pick up any face-up card and move it with all cards below it, even if they don't form a proper descending same-suit sequence. The placement rule still applies though.
How do completed runs work?
When a complete same-suit K→A sequence (13 cards) forms at the bottom of a column, it's automatically removed with a celebration. Complete all four suits to win the game.
Learn More
- Play Scorpion Solitaire — Try it now, free online
- How to Play Spider Solitaire — The classic same-suit building game
- How to Play Yukon Solitaire — Another “move any face-up card” variant
- Types of Solitaire — Explore 20+ solitaire variants