Scorpion Solitaire
Build four King-to-Ace runs, one suit each, right in the columns.
How to play Scorpion Solitaire
Scorpion mixes the free moves of Yukon with the same-suit runs of Spider Solitaire. It uses one deck. Forty-nine cards are dealt into seven columns of seven. In the first four columns the three bottom cards are face down; every other card is face up. The last three cards wait in the stock.
Goal
Build four complete runs from King down to Ace, each in a single suit. You build them right in the columns. As soon as a run is complete it leaves the table. Clear all four runs to win.
Turn by turn
- Pick any face-up card, even one in the middle of a column. All the cards on top of it come along, in any order.
- Put it on the card that is one rank higher in the same suit. The 6 of hearts can only go on the 7 of hearts.
- When a face-down card is uncovered, it turns face up.
- Only a King can go into an empty column, again with all the cards on top of it.
- Once per game, whenever you like, tap the stock. Its three cards are dealt face up onto the first three columns.
Playing on this site
Drag a card, or tap it and then tap the column where it should go. Double-tap sends a card to the best column. Hint points to a good move, and Undo has no limit. The keyboard works too: arrows to move, Enter to pick up and drop, D to deal the stock, H for a hint.
End of the game
You win when all four suits are finished. When no move is left and the stock has been dealt, the status bar tells you. Undo a few steps and try another plan, or start a new deal. Scorpion is hard: only some deals can be solved, so every win counts.
Strategy tips
- Free the hidden cards first. Twelve cards start face down in the first four columns. Until you see them, you cannot plan the runs. Work on those columns early.
- Find the Kings. A King buried on top of low cards of its own suit can block a run for the whole game. Move Kings into empty columns when you can.
- Hold the stock. The three stock cards land on the first three columns and may cover cards you need. Deal them when those columns are in good shape, or when you are stuck.
- Think in whole stacks. Moving a card from the middle of a column takes everything above it. Check where those cards end up before you move.
- Watch for deadlocks. If two cards each sit on top of the card the other one needs, that deal may be lost. Spot these early and use Undo.
Scorpion Solitaire FAQ
How is Scorpion different from Spider?
Scorpion uses one deck and only seven columns. You may move any face-up card with everything on top of it, but only onto the next higher card of the same suit.
When should I deal the stock?
Any time you like, but only once. Many players wait until the first three columns are tidy or no other move is left.
Are there foundations in Scorpion?
No. You build the four King-to-Ace runs in the columns. A finished run is lifted off the table by itself and shown in the top row.
Can every Scorpion deal be won?
No. Scorpion is one of the harder solitaire games, and some deals are blocked from the start. Undo helps you find a way through the ones that can be won.
