Play Wasp II Solitaire Online for Free
What is Wasp II Solitaire?
Wasp II Solitaire is the most accessible member of the Scorpion family of solitaire games. It combines the flexibility of Wasp Solitaire — where any card can be placed into an empty tableau space — with the gentler setup of Scorpion II Solitaire, which has fewer hidden cards at the start. With only 9 face-down cards instead of 12, more of the tableau is visible right away, making it easier to plan and build sequences. The result is a smoother, less punishing variant that still preserves the core mechanics of Scorpion.
How to Play Wasp II Solitaire
Objective
Form four complete descending sequences from King down to Ace. When a full suit run (K→A) is completed, it automatically moves to the foundation. The game is won when all four sequences are built.
Setup
- Deck: 52 cards, one standard deck.
- Tableau: 7 columns of 7 cards each.
- Columns 1–3: bottom three cards face-down, the rest face-up.
- Columns 4–7: all seven cards face-up.
- Reserve: 3 cards set aside face-down. When dealt, one face-up card is added to each of the first three tableau piles. This can be done only once per game.
- Foundation: Complete King-to-Ace runs are automatically moved here. The game ends in victory once all four suits are placed in the foundation.
Rules
- Building: Cards must be built downward in the same suit (e.g., 7♠ on 8♠).
- Moving groups: Any face-up card can be moved along with the stack above it, as long as the move continues a valid same-suit descent.
- Flipping: When a face-down card is uncovered, it is immediately turned face-up.
- Empty columns: In Wasp II Solitaire, any card (not just Kings) can be moved into an empty column, allowing much greater flexibility.
- Stock deal: The 3 reserve cards are dealt once, each onto one of the first three tableau columns.
- Completed runs: Finished King-to-Ace sequences are automatically transferred to the foundation pile.
Strategy Tips
- Capitalize on fewer hidden cards: With only 9 face-downs, you’ll reveal the full tableau faster than in most Scorpion variants. Use this early visibility to your advantage.
- Exploit empty spaces: Since any card can fill a gap, empty columns become powerful tools for rearranging stacks. Don’t let them sit unused.
- Reveal early: Even with fewer hidden cards, prioritize uncovering them quickly to expand your move options.
- Reserve timing matters: Deal the 3 stock cards when they will clearly help — too early, and they may bury valuable cards.
- Stay flexible with runs: Avoid locking down long sequences too quickly; sometimes keeping stacks open-ended helps free critical cards sooner.
Why Play Wasp II Solitaire?
Wasp II Solitaire delivers the most forgiving experience of the Scorpion-style solitaire games. With fewer hidden cards and the freedom to fill empty columns with any card, it’s easier to untangle the tableau and complete your runs. This makes it an excellent starting point for new players, or a relaxing option for those who love Scorpion’s mechanics but want a more approachable version.
