Scorpion Solitaire - Rules & Strategy

Scorpion Solitaire is a sharp test of focus, patience, and precision. Played with a single deck of 52 cards, the classic game challenges you to create four full sequences from King to Ace, by suit and without shortcuts.

If you enjoy the layered difficulty of Spider and the open layouts of Yukon, Scorpion blends both into one compelling challenge. Beginners can learn here exactly how to set up, play, and win the Scorpion Solitaire card game with clarity and no guesswork.

How to Play Scorpion Solitaire

The Scorpion solitaire game is similar to other Solitaire games in objective and general arrangement of cards. However, the gameplay mechanics differ.

Objective

The primary objective in the Scorpion Solitaire game is to build four complete sequences of cards in the tableau, each arranged in descending order from King to Ace within the same suit. Once a complete sequence is formed, it is automatically moved to the foundation. The game is considered won when all four suit-specific sequences have been successfully transferred from the tableau to the foundation.

How to Set Up Scorpion Solitaire

Scorpion Solitaire is structured around a three-part layout: the tableau, the stockpile, and the foundation. The game begins with a specific arrangement of cards that defines how play progresses.

Available Moves and Play Area

The tableau consists of seven columns. The first four columns each have six cards, and only the bottom four cards face up. The remaining three columns contain seven cards each, all of which are face-up from the start.

Above the tableau are four foundation piles. These piles are where fully completed sequences are automatically moved when complete.

To the side of the tableau sits the stockpile with three reserve cards. These cards can be played at any time. They will be dealt directly onto the bottom of the first three tableau columns.

Possible Moves

• You can move a face-up card from the tableau and all cards below it onto another tableau column if the move continues a descending sequence in the same suit. For example, you can move a 5♥ (with any cards under it) onto a 6♥ at the bottom of another column.
• As sequences are built from King down to Ace within the tableau and completed in-suit, they are automatically transferred to the foundation piles.
• When a face-down card becomes the bottom card in a column, it is flipped face-up and becomes available for play.
• If a tableau column becomes empty, only a King (or a sequence starting with a King) can be placed in that space to begin rebuilding.
• The three cards in the stockpile are added in a single action and are placed on top of the cards in the first three tableau columns.

Rules of the Scorpion Solitaire

• The scorpion solitaire card game is played with a standard 52-card deck.
• The game begins by dealing 7 cards into each tableau column.
• A card may be moved only onto another card one rank higher of the same suit.
• You may move a card and all cards stacked on top of it in one move.
• A column becomes empty once all its cards are moved elsewhere.
• Only a King may be moved into an empty column in the Scorpion card game.
• No card can be placed on top of an Ace.
• After exhausting all available moves, you can deal the three stock cards—one into each of the first 3 tableau columns.
• The game ends when all cards are arranged in four complete suit sequences or no further moves are possible.
• There are no rewards in general when playing a free scorpion solitaire card game online.

Strategy to win the Scorpion Solitaire

• Focus on revealing face-down cards as early as possible, just like in solitaire games.
• Avoid clicking the stockpile unless you’ve exhausted all available moves on the tableau. Using the stock too early can limit your ability to sequence cards effectively.
• Free up the tableau columns to create space for the Kings. Vacant columns allow you to start new sequences and maneuver difficult cards.
• Delay placing a King into an empty column unless it advances the game. A space may offer better use later in the game.
• Be careful with the card order. Avoid stacking a lower-ranking card above a higher-ranking one of the same suit in the same column.
• Exposing Aces prematurely can be problematic, since no card can be placed onto them.
• Trace the move chain before attempting to relocate a card. Identify the card it must go onto, and ensure there’s a clear path to expose it.
• Watch out for deadlock patterns. For example, a column arranged with 8♥-6♥-7♥ creates a cycle that blocks progress and forces a restart. Similar blocked chains with mixed suits can also end the game early.
• When in doubt, reverse problematic sequences. If cards are stacked in descending but unordered suits, reversing the layout may open sequencing options later.