![\"Scorpion](\"https:\/\/soliatre.us\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/header\/assets\/images\/blog\/variations\/scorpion-solitaire-rules.svg\")
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\nQuick Answer:<\/strong> Scorpion Solitaire uses seven tableau columns dealt with face-down cards in the first three columns and face-up elsewhere. Same-suit sequences build downward, and any face-up card (with all cards above it) can be moved together. Three reserve cards are dealt as a final stock. Win by assembling four complete King-to-Ace same-suit sequences. Win rate is approximately 20\u201325%.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Scorpion Solitaire is one of those patience games that feels deceptively familiar at first \u2014 seven columns, looks a bit like Klondike \u2014 but reveals its bite almost immediately. The combination of same-suit building, unrestricted group movement (any face-up card can lead a group move), and limited stock means every decision matters. Scorpion consistently ranks among the hardest single-deck patience games that remain winnable in a reasonable percentage of deals.<\/p>\n
What Is Scorpion Solitaire?<\/h2>\n
Scorpion is a single-deck patience game with seven tableau columns and a three-card final stock. Like Spider Solitaire<\/a>, Scorpion builds foundations with complete same-suit sequences from King to Ace, and like Yukon<\/a>, Scorpion allows moving any face-up card along with all face-up cards above it regardless of whether they form a legal sequence.<\/p>\n
\nDefinition:<\/strong> In Scorpion Solitaire, a "group move" means any face-up card in the tableau, along with every card stacked on top of it (regardless of rank or suit), can be moved together to another column if the bottom card of the moving group legally places on the destination column’s top card. This is the same rule as Yukon but applied with same-suit building constraints.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The game is catalogued on Scorpion Solitaire Rules<\/a> and referenced in several patience books. Its challenging win rate and interesting mechanics have earned it a dedicated following among serious solitaire players.<\/p>\n
Scorpion Solitaire Setup<\/h2>\n
Cards needed:<\/strong> One standard 52-card deck, shuffled.<\/p>\n
Tableau dealing:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Column 1: 3 face-down + 4 face-up cards = 7 cards<\/li>\n
- Column 2: 3 face-down + 4 face-up cards = 7 cards<\/li>\n
- Column 3: 3 face-down + 4 face-up cards = 7 cards<\/li>\n
- Column 4: 7 face-up cards<\/li>\n
- Column 5: 7 face-up cards<\/li>\n
- Column 6: 7 face-up cards<\/li>\n
- Column 7: 7 face-up cards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Total: 7 columns \u00d7 7 cards = 49 cards.<\/p>\n
Remaining 3 cards:<\/strong> Set aside face-down as the stock. These are dealt all at once in the final dealing round.<\/p>\n
Result:<\/strong> Columns 1\u20133 have 3 hidden cards at the bottom, with 4 face-up on top. Columns 4\u20137 are entirely face-up. Three cards wait as a final reserve.<\/p>\n
How to Play Scorpion Solitaire<\/h2>\n
Objective:<\/strong> Assemble four complete King-to-Ace same-suit sequences in the tableau. Move each completed sequence to a foundation (or simply having four columns each containing a full K-to-A same-suit run counts as winning in some implementations).<\/p>\n
Tableau building:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Build in descending rank order<\/li>\n
- Same suit is required for legal placement<\/li>\n
- Example: 8 of Spades may be placed on 9 of Spades. 8 of Hearts cannot go on 9 of Spades.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Group movement:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Any face-up card can be moved, taking all face-up cards above it along as a group<\/li>\n
- The bottom card of the moving group must satisfy the same-suit, one-rank-lower requirement on the destination<\/li>\n
- The cards above the bottom card do not need to form any particular sequence \u2014 they come along for the ride<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Turning over face-down cards:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- When a face-up group is moved away from a column, exposing a face-down card, that face-down card flips face-up<\/li>\n
- Uncovering face-down cards is critical to opening up the game<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Empty columns:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- When a column is completely cleared, it can be filled by any face-up card (or group)<\/li>\n
- Only a King (or a group whose bottom card is a King) can start a new sequence meaningfully \u2014 any other card placed in an empty column limits future options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The final three cards:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- When no more productive moves are available, deal the three stock cards one to each of any three columns (face up)<\/li>\n
- This is a one-time event \u2014 there is no stock to draw from repeatedly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Winning:<\/strong> Complete all four 13-card same-suit sequences from King to Ace in the tableau.<\/p>\n
Scorpion Solitaire Strategy<\/h2>\n
Uncover face-down cards aggressively.<\/strong> The three columns with 3 face-down cards are your biggest limitation. Expose those hidden cards as quickly as possible \u2014 every face-down card is a frozen resource that could be critical.<\/p>\n
Plan suit sequences around Kings.<\/strong> Kings must anchor the base of each completed sequence. Track where each King is \u2014 if a King is buried face-down in column 1, 2, or 3, uncovering it becomes a primary goal.<\/p>\n
Use group movement to consolidate suits.<\/strong> Unlike games where only proper sequences move, Scorpion’s free group movement lets you reorganize columns quickly. Lift mixed groups to expose buried cards or to place a key same-suit card in the right position.<\/p>\n
Manage empty columns carefully.<\/strong> An empty column is your most powerful resource. Avoid filling it with a card that does not serve a specific strategic purpose. Ideally, use empty columns to temporarily store groups while performing complex column reorganizations.<\/p>\n
Beware of suit lock-up.<\/strong> Same-suit building means that a sequence of Spades 10, 9, 8, 7 sitting on top of a Hearts sequence can only move as a group to a Spades J. If no Spades J is available, that group is stuck. Plan suit continuations before building long sequences.<\/p>\n
Deal the three stock cards strategically.<\/strong> Before dealing the final three cards, assess what cards are most needed. The three stock cards go to any three columns you choose (one per column). Place them where they are most likely to unlock moves \u2014 typically on columns where a continuation is imminent.<\/p>\n
Think like Spider.<\/strong> Scorpion’s endgame goal (four K-to-A suit sequences) is identical to Spider Solitaire<\/a> four-suit. Many Spider strategies apply: focus on one suit at a time, maintain clear columns, and anticipate where suit cards will flow. Our Spider Solitaire rules and strategy guide<\/a> provides detailed Spider strategy that transfers well to Scorpion.<\/p>\n
For more advanced strategic frameworks, see our advanced solitaire strategies<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n
Win Rate and Difficulty<\/h2>\n
Scorpion Solitaire has an estimated win rate of approximately 20\u201325% for skilled players. The combination of same-suit building, face-down card hiding, and limited stock creates genuinely difficult positions. Unlike Spider where multiple stock deals progressively fill the tableau, Scorpion’s single three-card final stock means you must work primarily with what you have.<\/p>\n
This places Scorpion significantly harder than Klondike<\/a> (which players win ~15\u201325% of the time but with less demanding strategy) and harder than Yukon<\/a> (which has ~70% win rate with more flexible building rules), but not as brutally difficult as four-suit Spider (~5% win rate).<\/p>\n
Players in competitive solitaire communities \u2014 particularly those who have "graduated" from Klondike to more challenging games \u2014 often identify Scorpion as one of the most satisfying in the hard-but-winnable tier. Players in cities like Portland and Minneapolis known for tabletop game culture frequently include Scorpion in their regular patience rotation.<\/p>\n
Scorpion Variations<\/h2>\n
Wasp:<\/strong> A closely related game with slightly different initial dealing rules. Wasp deals columns with 3 face-down cards at bottom for the first four columns rather than three, creating a longer hidden-card phase.<\/p>\n