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Game Rules Index

Scorpion Solitaire

1 deck. Average. No redeal.

Scorpion Solitaire Game

× Scorpion Solitaire Game
Scorpion Solitaire

Set up

Scorpion Solitaire uses one deck (52 cards). You have 7 tableau piles. Three rows of 7 cards are dealt - the first 4 cards face down and the next 3 face up in each row. Then four more rows of 7 cards are dealt, all face up. The remaining 3 cards are put face down as a reserve.

The object of the game
To build four sequences down in suit within the tableau, each running from King to Ace.

The rules
You may build tableau piles down in suit. Groups of cards can be moved regardless of any sequence. Any face up card in a tableau can be moved to make a build. All the cards covering it are moved together as a unit. If, during play, any closed cards become the top card of a pile it turns face up.

Empty tableaus may be filled with a King or group of cards headed by a King.

When you have made all the moves initially available, click on the reserve pile to deal the 3 remaining cards face up to the three leftmost piles.

Wins are rare.

Strategy Tips

  1. Reveal Face-Down Cards First
    • Focus on uncovering face-down cards in the first three columns to access hidden cards.
    • Move face-up cards to other tableau piles in suit to free face-down cards.
    • Avoid covering face-down cards unless it builds a key sequence.
  2. Build In-Suit Sequences
    • Create long sequences (e.g., K♠ to 8♠) to work toward complete King-to-Ace runs.
    • Prioritize columns with Kings to start sequences.
    • Don’t trap low cards (e.g., Aces, 2s) under long sequences.
  3. Maximize Empty Columns
    • Clear columns to create empty spaces, which can only hold Kings or King-led sequences.
    • Use empty columns to shift sequences or free buried cards.
    • Reserve empty columns for critical moves, not random Kings.
  4. Delay Stock Dealing
    • Wait to deal the stock until tableau moves are exhausted, as new cards may cover face-down ones.
    • Ensure empty columns or suitable piles are ready before dealing.
    • Integrate dealt cards into sequences quickly.
  5. Protect Low Cards
    • Avoid burying Aces or 2s under high cards (e.g., 9♣ on 2♣).
    • Check all columns for low cards before making moves.
    • Use empty columns to free trapped low cards.
  6. Plan Moves Ahead
    • Evaluate the tableau before each move to avoid blocking sequences.
    • Prioritize moves that reveal face-down cards or advance multiple suits.
    • Use undo (if available) to test and revert risky moves.
  7. Balance Suit Progress
    • Build sequences evenly across suits to maintain flexibility.
    • If one suit lags (e.g., Clubs at 10♣, Spades at 4♠), focus on the lagging suit.
    • Monitor available cards to ensure all suits can progress.

Scorpion Solitaire’s low win rate stems from face-down cards and suit-based building. Success hinges on revealing hidden cards, protecting low cards, and using empty columns wisely. Practice these tips, focus on accessible Kings, and use undo to refine your moves. Restart tough deals with buried low cards to improve your odds.

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