Scorpion Solitaire

Scorpion Solitaire is a classic card game that offers a deep, cerebral experience. While it shares the objective of Spider Solitaire—creating same-suit sequences—it utilizes the unique pile-movement mechanics of Yukon Solitaire. Played with a standard 52-card deck, this layout requires careful planning to prevent columns from locking up.

If you are looking for a game that values patient analysis over luck, Scorpion is an excellent option to test your card game strategy.

Tableau Setup and the Starting Deal

The game begins with 49 of the 52 cards dealt into seven tableau columns. The remaining three cards are set aside to act as your reserve stock:

• The Columns: Columns 1 through 4 are dealt with three face-down cards at the bottom, topped by four face-up cards. Columns 5 through 7 are dealt with seven face-up cards.

• The Reserve Stock: The last three cards of the deck are kept face-down in a separate pile. Unlike games with a large draw pile, these three cards are dealt all at once, placing one face-up card on each of the first three columns when you choose to use them.

Rules for Moving Card Piles

Understanding how cards move is the most important part of learning Scorpion Solitaire. The game uses a highly permissive movement rule paired with a strict building rule:

• Same-Suit Building: Cards can only be placed on a card of the same suit that is exactly one rank higher. For example, a 5 of Diamonds can only be moved onto a 6 of Diamonds.

• Moving Stacks as a Unit: You can move any face-up card in the tableau to an eligible spot. Crucially, any cards resting on top of that card move along with it as a single unit, even if they are not in descending order.

• Exposing Face-Down Cards: Once all face-up cards are moved off a hidden card, it flips over automatically, becoming available for play.

• Empty Columns: When a tableau column is cleared completely, only a King (or a group led by a King) can be moved into the empty space.

Smart Tactics to Clear the Columns

Because the majority of cards are dealt face-up from the start, you can map out your moves several steps in advance. Use these tactics to improve your chances of solving the layout:

• Uncover the Hidden Cards: Your immediate goal is to expose the face-down cards in the first four columns. The more cards you flip face-up, the more movement paths you open up.

• Watch for Aces: Since Aces are the lowest card in the deck, nothing can be built on top of them. An Ace sitting in the middle of a column acts as a blocker, so try to move Aces to the top of completed sequences as soon as possible.

• Keep Empty Columns Open for Kings: Do not empty a column unless you have a King ready to fill it. Leaving an empty column without a King reduces your active workspaces.

• Time the Reserve Deal Wisely: Save the three-card reserve stock until you have exhausted all other logical moves. Dealing the reserve too early can block sequences you were in the middle of organizing.