Pyramid Solitaire

Objective

Win Pyramid Solitaire by removing all cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that add up to 13.

Card Pairings

Numbered cards are worth their face value, Aces are 1, Jacks are 11, Queens are 12, and Kings are 13 and can be removed by themselves.

• A (1) + Q (12)
• 3 + 10
• 5 + 8
• 2 + J (11)
• 4 + 9
• 6 + 7

Rules

At the start, 28 cards are dealt face-up in a pyramid shape with 7 rows. The remaining cards form the stockpile. You can flip cards from the stockpile to the waste pile to reveal more pairing options and follow these Pyramid Solitaire rules.

• Only uncovered cards (cards with no other cards on top of them) are playable. This means that at the start of the game only cards from the bottom row of the pyramid and in the waste pile can be paired.
• Use the stockpile to reveal cards when you get stuck. The faceup card in the waste pile can be paired with cards in the tableau.
• Only go through the stockpile three times. If you’ve run through the stockpile three times and still have cards in the tableau, the game is over.

Tips and Strategies

• Remove Kings immediately: Since Kings equal 13, you can remove them as soon as they’re available. This may increase your pairing options.
• Prioritize tableau pairings over waste pile pairings. The goal is to uncover cards in the pyramid. Using the waste pile too early can limit future moves.
• Remove cards evenly. Avoid focusing too much on one side. Clearing rows evenly keeps cards from being deeply buried in the endgame.
• Think ahead when choosing pairs. If two cards can be paired with the same match, choose the pair that uncovers another card or opens up more options.
• Don’t rush through the stockpile. Each pass is limited, so take your time and look for the best possible pair before flipping to the next card.