How to Play Scorpion
Scorpion is a quiet, thoughtful patience you can learn fast. If you like building long suited runs, this guide will get you started — and you can find more solitaire guides at Playmore.
| Game | Type | Players | Deck | Beginner focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scorpion | American patience | 1 | Full normal 52-card deck | Long same-suit tableau sequences; three-card reserve |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to arrange cards into long descending sequences of the same suit in the tableau. Think of the puzzle as moving cards and tidy stacks until suited runs are formed. Exact win conditions and whether runs are moved to foundations vary by version, so check your group's chosen rules.
What you need and how to set up
You only need a single, normal 52-card deck. No special cards are required. Set up a tableau of columns across the table and prepare a small three-card reserve set aside. Many Scorpion versions deal most tableau cards face-up and use a few face-down cards in some columns, but the exact deal can differ by house or published rule.
Arrange the reserve where you can reach it easily. If your version uses any leftover cards or redeals, keep those nearby but separate. Before you play, agree with your group which published rule set you will follow for the precise deal and any redeals.
How to play
- Look for immediate same-suit descending moves in the tableau. You can usually move a single card onto a card that is one rank higher and the same suit.
- When you spot a longer run of the same suit, try to move it as a block. In many versions, only sequences of the same suit can be moved together; single cards can be moved more freely. Check your chosen rules for exact movement limits.
- Use the three-card reserve when the tableau offers no helpful moves. Take from the reserve to continue building suited runs or to free up useful cards.
- Create and use empty columns wisely. An empty column gives you space to rearrange cards and build a long run. Some versions limit which cards can fill empties, so confirm your rule set before filling them.
- Keep uniting suited stacks whenever possible. Focus on extending runs rather than making many short sequences of mixed suits.
- If your chosen variant allows redeals or flipping remaining cards, follow that rule when no further tableau moves exist. These options are version-dependent and should be agreed in advance.
How a round or game ends
A standard finish is when you build the long descending suited runs the rules require. That might mean completing four full suits, or simply arranging long suited sequences in the tableau. Because Scorpion has regional and published variations, the exact end condition and whether a completed run is removed or left in place depends on your chosen version. Always check the authoritative rule source for the version you are playing.
Beginner tips
- Look for moves that preserve flexibility. Avoid filling an empty column with a card that traps useful cards behind it.
- Prioritize completing suits. Extending a same-suit sequence gives you bigger movable blocks later.
- Use the reserve only when it helps reveal or connect cards. Wasting reserve cards early can reduce your options.
- Work from the longest possible runs inward. Building a long sequence is more valuable than many short, loose stacks.
- Agree before you start which published rule set you will use for dealing and redeals. Small rule differences change strategy.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Scorpion uses one normal 52-card deck. No custom or commercial deck is required.
Can I move mixed-suit sequences?
Many Scorpion versions only let you move sequences that are all the same suit as a block. Single-card moves on top of different suits are sometimes allowed. Check the version you play for the exact movement rules.
Where can I find exact rules?
There are several published and regional variants. Check the authoritative rule source for the precise deal and end conditions that your group wants to use before you start.