Play Wasp Solitaire Online for Free (Scorpion with Open Empty Columns)
Wasp Solitaire is a Scorpion-family patience game where empty columns accept any card or stack - not just Kings. That single rule change makes Wasp considerably more forgiving than classic Scorpion and opens up rich tactical recovery lines that strict Scorpion does not allow. All other movement rules remain identical.
What is Wasp Solitaire?
Wasp is a Scorpion-family variant played with one deck and seven columns. You build down by suit, move exposed tails, and complete four full King-to-Ace runs. The defining mechanic is unrestricted empty-column placement - any card or valid stack can fill an empty column, not just Kings.
Wasp Solitaire history
Wasp became popular in modern solitaire collections because it preserves the Scorpion move-the-tail system but removes the King-only empty-column restriction that frustrates many players. It is often recommended as a stepping stone between easier Spider variants and strict Scorpion play.
Wasp Solitaire deal layout
Wasp starts with the same deal structure as classic Scorpion - four columns with hidden cards on the left and three fully open columns on the right. The key difference is that empty columns created during play can hold any card.
| Column | Total cards | Face-down | Face-up | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Reveal priority - same as Scorpion |
| 2 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Reveal priority - same as Scorpion |
| 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Reveal priority - same as Scorpion |
| 4 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Reveal priority - same as Scorpion |
| 5 | 7 | 0 | 7 | Fully open from start |
| 6 | 7 | 0 | 7 | Fully open from start |
| 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | Fully open from start |
| Reserve (stock) | 3 | 3 | 0 | One-time deal - any card can use the empty space it creates |
How to play Wasp Solitaire - step by step
- Identify reveal moves in columns 1-4 - look for which face-up card can be legally moved to expose the hidden card beneath it.
- When you create or find an empty column, use it as a staging area for partial stacks you want to reorganize, not just for Kings.
- Build descending same-suit sequences across the tableau - mixed placements are legal for positioning, but only same-suit runs score.
- After exhausting natural tableau moves, consider using the three reserve cards if the position will absorb them cleanly.
- Complete all four King-to-Ace same-suit runs and remove them to foundations to win.
Strategies to win Wasp Solitaire
- Use empty columns proactively to reorder fragmented suit chains - this is Wasp's biggest advantage over Scorpion.
- Reveal hidden cards in columns 1-4 early to maximize information and reduce blind-spot risk.
- Keep low ranks (Ace, 2, 3) visible - burying them under wrong-suit stacks is the most common cause of late-game locks.
- Do not over-split strong same-suit runs just because movement is more flexible - discipline still determines win rate.
- Time the three reserve cards to unlock specific blocked positions, not to generate generic activity.
Scorpion family comparison
| Game | Columns | Hidden cols | Empty col rule | Est. win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasp | 7 (1 deck) | Cols 1-4 (3 each) | Any card | ~50% |
| Scorpion II | 7 (1 deck) | Cols 1-3 (3 each) | Kings only | ~36% |
| Scorpion | 7 (1 deck) | Cols 1-4 (3 each) | Kings only | ~28% |
| Three Blind Mice | 10 (1 deck) | Cols 8-10 (3 each) | Kings only | ~28% |
| Double Scorpion | 10 (2 decks) | Cols 1-4 (4 each) | Kings only | ~12% |
How difficult is Wasp Solitaire?
Wasp is usually medium difficulty and easier than classic Scorpion. Flexible empty columns increase recovery options substantially, but efficient suit consolidation and disciplined reveal sequencing still determine consistent wins.
What is Wasp Solitaire win percentage?
A practical benchmark for Wasp is about 50% wins. Its flexible empty-column rule materially lifts completion rates compared to classic Scorpion (28%) while preserving the same-suit sequencing depth that makes the game genuinely strategic.
What is the difference between Wasp and Scorpion Solitaire?
The deal is identical - both start with the same four hidden-card columns. The critical difference is that Scorpion only allows Kings in empty columns, while Wasp allows any card or stack. This single change improves tactical recovery dramatically and makes Wasp around 22 percentage points easier to win.
Wasp Solitaire FAQ
Is Wasp Solitaire easier than Scorpion?
Yes, considerably. The ability to move any stack into empty columns reduces lockups and gives you multiple routes back into playable positions that classic Scorpion simply does not offer. The difference is most pronounced mid-game when columns start to deplete and empty lane management becomes critical.
What is the best opening move in Wasp Solitaire?
The best opening move reveals a hidden card in columns 1-4 while keeping suit order intact and preserving at least one lane for future reordering. Among reveal moves, prefer the one that extends the longest existing same-suit chain, since that sets you up to remove a completed run earlier in the game.
When should I avoid using an empty column in Wasp?
Avoid spending an empty column on a move that does not expose a hidden card or improve suit continuity. The temptation in Wasp is to use the flexibility casually - park a problem card and forget about it. That leads to a scattered board where multiple partial stacks compete for the same limited lanes.
Can I move mixed-suit tails in Wasp Solitaire?
Yes. Like all Scorpion-family games, any face-up card moves with every card on top of it regardless of suit order. The destination must accept the lead card (one rank higher, same suit). Only completed same-suit King-to-Ace runs are removed to foundations.
Why does Wasp still feel hard despite being more flexible?
More options means more chances to choose a sub-optimal line. The suit-only building and completion rules remain the same as Scorpion, so mismanaging suit distribution over several moves still produces positions where no run can finish cleanly. Flexibility helps recovery but does not eliminate the need for discipline.