Scorpion Solitaire

If you enjoy card games that require a mix of observation and tactical planning, Scorpion Solitaire is a perfect choice. Often considered a close relative of Spider Solitaire and sharing many mechanics with Yukon Solitaire, Scorpion is known for its difficulty and its unique way of moving cards.

Unlike the classic Klondike where you can only move organized sequences, Scorpion allows you to move any face-up card regardless of what is resting on top of it. This freedom is what makes the game both fascinating and dangerous, as one wrong move can easily lead to a deadlock.

Game Setup

Scorpion is played with a standard 52-card deck. The setup is specific and creates the "sting" of the game:

The Tableau: 49 cards are dealt into seven columns of seven cards each.
Face-down cards: In the first four columns on the left, the bottom three cards are dealt face down, with the remaining four cards on top dealt face up.
Face-up cards: In the last three columns on the right, all seven cards are dealt face up.
The Stock: The remaining three cards are set aside face down to be used later in the game.

How to Play

The objective of Scorpion Solitaire is to arrange all cards into four columns, each containing a complete sequence of the same suit from King down to Ace.

Building Sequences: You can move a card (or a group of cards) onto another card if it is one rank lower and of the same suit. For example, a 9 of Hearts can only be placed on a 10 of Hearts.
Moving Groups: This is the most important rule. You can move any face-up card to a valid target. Every card resting on top of the card you are moving comes along for the ride, even if they are not in any specific order.
Empty Spaces: Only a King (along with any cards on top of it) can be moved into an empty tableau column.
Revealing Cards: When a face-down card becomes exposed at the bottom of a pile, it is flipped face up.
The Stock: You can click the stock at any time to deal the last three cards face up onto the first three columns. Most players prefer to do this only when they are stuck.

Tips to Win at Scorpion

Winning at Scorpion requires more foresight than luck. Here are some pointers to help you clear the board:

Expose hidden cards quickly: Your priority should be to flip those face-down cards in the first four columns. This increases your movement options.
Avoid "Dead Ends": Since you must build in suit, be very careful not to place a card on a sequence that makes the card below it unreachable. For instance, putting an 8 of Spades on a 9 of Spades is great, but make sure you don't need the cards currently sitting on that 9 elsewhere.
Manage your empty spaces: An empty column is a powerful tool. Don't rush to fill it unless you have a King that is blocking access to face-down cards or other valuable sequences.
Look for the Aces: Aces are the end of a sequence. Since nothing can be placed on an Ace, they effectively block any card underneath them. Try to keep them toward the bottom of your stacks until you are ready to complete a sequence.