RULES

The rules to play Pyramid Solitaire

 

Solitaire Pyramid is an engaging and visually distinctive variation of the classic solitaire game. Named for its unique pyramid-shaped layout, this game challenges players to remove pairs of cards that add up to 13. With a mix of strategy and simple arithmetic, Solitaire Pyramid offers a refreshing take on solitaire.

 

How to play Pyramid Solitaire

 

What deck is used to play solitaire pyramid?

Solitaire Pyramid is played with a standard 52-card deck.

 

How do you set up the tableau to play pyramid solitaire?

The cards are shuffled and then dealt into a pyramid formation with seven rows. The first row at the top of the pyramid has one card, the second row has two cards, and so on, until the seventh row, which has seven cards, summing up a total of 27 cards that form such pyramid.

All cards are dealt face up, overlapping in such a way that each card covers the two cards below it from the row above.

The remaining cards form the stockpile, which is placed face down at the bottom of the tableau, except for the first card which will be shown from the beginning.

 

What is the objective of Solitaire Pyramid?

The goal of Solitaire Pyramid is to remove all the cards from the pyramid by forming pairs of cards that add up to 13.

 

How do you solve a pyramid solitaire?

 

Review the pyramid to identify any potential pairs of exposed cards that add up to 13. Cards are considered exposed and therefore available to be played if no other cards are covering them. This means that, when the game starts, the only cards that you'll be able to use to form the pairs are the ones at the base of the pyramid as well as the first card from the deck.

In order to remove cards, form pairs of exposed cards that add up to 13.

You can do the following pairs:

  • Ace + queen
  • Two + jack
  • Three + ten
  • Four + nine
  • Five + eight
  • Six + seven

Kings are the exception. They can be removed individually since they are worth 13 points.

Once the cards have been paired these are removed from the game and cannot be used again to play or make any more pairs.

If no pairs are available in the pyramid, draw one card at a time from the stockpile. You can pair the drawn card with an exposed card in the pyramid or with another card from the stockpile that is currently face up.

If a drawn card from the stockpile cannot be paired immediately, place it in a waste pile. The top card of the waste pile is always available for pairing with exposed cards in the pyramid or other stockpile cards.

The game is resolved when all cards from the pyramid are removed by forming valid pairs.

The game concludes if no more pairs can be formed and cards remain in the pyramid.

If the stockpile is exhausted and no more valid moves are possible, the game ends unsolved.

There are variations of the game which allow to turn the waste into the stockpile twice before bringing the game to a close if by the end of it there are still cards left on the pyramid.

 

Strategic tips to solve a pyramid solitaire

Even though this game may look easier than other solitaires it requires strategic thinking to solve it, so we'll try to help you showing you a few useful tips:

  • Focus on the pyramid: Prioritize removing cards from the lower rows of the pyramid to uncover more cards and create additional pairing opportunities.
  • Use the stockpile wisely: Draw cards from the stockpile only when necessary. Keep an eye on potential pairs involving the top card of the waste pile.
  • Plan ahead: Anticipate future moves by considering the value of exposed cards and potential pairs with other cards not yet exposed on the pyramid, particularly those on the top.
  • Manage the waste pile: Try to minimize using the cards in the waste pile and focus on making pairs from the cards from the pyramid itself. This will allow you to remove cards from the pyramid at a faster rate but it will also secure cards potentially needed from the stockpile to be used on the last cards to pair from the top of the pyramid.

 

Where can I play pyramid solitaire online?

Solitaire Pyramid is a delightful and strategic solitaire variant that combines simple arithmetic with classic card gameplay. By understanding and applying the rules effectively, players can enjoy a challenging and rewarding card game experience. So now that you understand the rules come and play pyramid solitaire online, or download the solitaire pyramid iOS app as well as the Android one.

If you'd like to play other solitaires, we've got a range of the most entertaining ones like freecell solitaire, spider solitaire, tripeaks solitaire and the good old klondike solitaire.

OTHER GAMES