Scorpion Solitaire

About Scorpion Solitaire

If you like your solitaire with a bit of bite - or in this case sting - you will love the challenge of Scorpion Solitaire.

One of the many spin-offs of the original format of solitaire, Scorpion takes the best elements of Spider and Yukon Solitaire, making it one of the toughest versions of the game there is. Over the years, Spider Solitaire has grown to become as popular as the original Klondike format of solitaire, presenting a different test to players. Obviously, after hours of game play that test becomes easier and eventually gamers' crave a new challenge - enter Scorpion.

Objective

The object of Scorpion Solitaire is to successfully arrange cards in four columns, each in descending order (from King to Ace) and in their correct suit. Sounds straight forward, right? It isn't!

Card Layout

The layout of Scorpion and the method of gameplay are very similar to Yukon Solitaire. 49 cards are used to form seven overlapping columns. Each column has seven cards. The first three rows have the top four cards placed face-down, all other cards are placed face-up. The remaining three cards (a standard deck of 52 is used) are used as stock.

Playing the game

The combination of the layout and the gameplay make Scorpion one of the toughest solitaire challenges of all. Considering just how many different versions there are that is really saying something! However, if there is one thing solitaire player's love it's a challenge.

To form the four columns of correctly suited cards, you will be required to move cards around to form sequences. Cards can be moved individually or in groups between columns, however, there are restrictions:

Only cards that are face-up can be moved and can only be laid on those of the same suit and one denomination higher. For example, the 8 of Hearts can be placed onto the 9 of Hearts but not the 9 of Diamonds.

When exposed, face-down cards will automatically turn-over and be eligible for play. Any gaps in columns can be filled by Kings only.

If you are exhausted of moves it is possible to use the stock, the three cards will be dealt to the first three columns. The game is over, hopefully when you have arranged all cards into their correct suit and sequence - meaning you have won. It will also be over when moves are no longer possible. As the cards are dealt randomly, it is not possible to win every game. Scorpion Solitaire poses a tough test to even the most competent of solitaire players. Can you avoid the sting?