Pyramid Solitaire is a unique and engaging variation of Solitaire that challenges players to remove cards by pairing them to add up to 13. Unlike traditional Solitaire games, Pyramid Solitaire requires a combination of strategy, planning, and quick decision-making to clear the pyramid of cards successfully.
If you’re new to the game or want to improve your skills, this guide will walk you through how to play Pyramid Solitaire, explain its rules, and provide winning strategies to help you become a master of the game.
Pyramid Solitaire is a single-player card game played with a standard 52-card deck. The game gets its name from the way the cards are arranged in the shape of a pyramid at the beginning of the game.
The objective is to remove pairs of cards that add up to 13, ultimately clearing all the cards from the pyramid.
Pyramid Solitaire is played with 28 cards arranged in a pyramid shape, while the remaining cards form the draw pile.
The pyramid consists of seven rows, with each row containing one more card than the previous row (the first row has one card, the second row has two, etc.).
The cards overlap slightly, and only uncovered cards (cards not blocked by others) can be used.
The remaining deck is placed face-down as the draw pile, which is used to find more card pairs.
To win Pyramid Solitaire, you must pair cards together so that their total value equals 13. Here’s how the game works:
Only exposed cards can be removed. A card is available if it is not covered by another card.
You can pair two cards that sum to 13.
Card values are as follows:
King = 13 (Kings are removed immediately without pairing).
Queen = 12, Jack = 11, Ace = 1
All number cards retain their face value (2-10).
The draw pile provides additional cards. If no pairs can be made, you can draw from the stockpile to find new matches.
You win the game by clearing the entire pyramid before running out of moves.
Look at the bottom row of the pyramid, as these are the only fully exposed cards you can use.
Try to find pairs that add up to 13.
Plan your moves carefully to avoid blocking important cards later in the game.
Since Kings are worth 13 on their own, remove them as soon as they appear.
Example pairs:
Queen (12) + Ace (1) = 13
Jack (11) + 2 = 13
10 + 3 = 13
9 + 4 = 13
8 + 5 = 13
7 + 6 = 13
If there are no pairs available in the pyramid, use the draw pile to reveal a new card and find a match.
Since the goal is to remove all cards, think ahead before pairing cards. Removing a card too early might block future moves.
If you successfully remove all cards, you win the game!
Simple yet challenging – A perfect mix of luck and strategy.
Great for mental exercise – Improves problem-solving, memory, and concentration.
Play online anytime – Many websites offer Pyramid Solitaire with different difficulty levels.
Pyramid Solitaire is a fun and rewarding game that combines strategy, planning, and problem-solving. With practice, you’ll develop better strategies and increase your chances of winning.