Scorpion Solitaire
Challenge your mind with Scorpion Solitaire! Move flexible card stacks, reveal 12 face-down cards, use the 3-card reserve wisely, and play free online.
Scorpion Solitaire: The Ultimate Logic Challenge
If you are looking for a card game that truly tests your strategic planning skills, Scorpion Solitaire offers a captivating, puzzle-like experience. Based on the famous "free stack movement" mechanic, this classic version allows you to move unsorted stacks of cards freely to any position on the tableau. However, with twelve face-down cards blocking your path, every decision could lead to an easy victory or result in a complete stalemate!
Basic Rules & Layout
The main objective is to arrange four complete sequences of the same suit—from King down to Ace—directly on the tableau. Once a 13-card sequence is completed, the game automatically removes it from the board, freeing up valuable playing space.
- Tableau Layout: The game uses a standard 52-card deck arranged into seven columns. The first four columns contain a mix of face-down and face-up cards, while the last three columns consist entirely of face-up cards.
- Same-Suit Stacking: Cards can only be placed onto a card of the same suit that is exactly one rank higher (e.g., placing the 8♠ on the 9♠, or the Q♥ on the K♥).
- Flexible Stack Movement: You can click or drag any face-up card along with the entire stack resting on top of it, regardless of whether the accompanying cards form a valid sequence.
Kings Fill Empty Columns: Only a King (or a stack with a King at the bottom) can be placed into an empty column.
Three Reserve Cards: A Strategic Lifeline
- Single Deal: The reserve pile contains exactly the 3 remaining cards. When clicked, the system deals one card to each of the first three columns.
- Timing is key: Don't rush to use the reserve cards too early! Save this single deal for moments when you are completely out of moves, as adding new cards might inadvertently cover up crucial connecting cards.
Core Winning Strategies
- Prioritize revealing face-down cards: Focus your initial moves on freeing up the cards covering the 12 face-down cards in columns one through four.
- Track suits independently: Never rely on simple red/black color rules—focus entirely on building sequences of the same suit. Protect vital connecting cards: Avoid letting low-value cards or essential Kings get buried beneath large, disorganized stacks.
- Take advantage of the unlimited Undo feature: Experiment with complex sequence-swapping moves risk-free, and backtrack whenever a strategy leads to a dead end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are hidden in Scorpion Solitaire?
There are 12 face-down cards hidden across the first four tableau columns.
Can I move an entire stack in Scorpion Solitaire?
Yes. You can move any face-up card together with all cards positioned above it, even when the stack is not properly ordered.
Do cards have to match by suit?
Yes. Tableau building follows the same suit, with each card placed on the next higher rank.
What can I place in an empty column?
Only a King or a stack beginning with a King can be moved into an empty column.
How does the three-card reserve work?
The reserve contains three cards and can be used once. When activated, one card is dealt to each of the first three columns.