Solitaire Tri Peaks is a captivating variation of the classic solitaire game. Its name derives from the unique layout of cards, which resembles three mountain peaks and in fact it's also known as Three Peaks, Triple Peaks or Tri Towers. The objective is to clear all the cards from the tableau by moving them to the waste pile. This game combines strategy, patience, and a bit of luck, making it an engaging pastime for players of all ages.
The game begins with a standard 52-card deck, which is shuffled and dealt into a tableau and a stockpile.
The tableau consists of 18 cards arranged into three overlapping pyramids, each forming a peak. The cards are dealt face down except for the bottom row, which is face up. The remaining cards form the stockpile, with the top card dealt face up to create the waste pile.
The primary goal in Solitaire TriPeaks is to move all the cards from the tableau to the waste pile. This is achieved by selecting cards from the tableau that are either one position higher or one position lower than the top card on the waste pile. For example, if this card is a 7, you can place either a 6 or an 8 from the tableau onto the waste pile, independently of the colour or suit of such cards.
Turn over the first card from the stockpile to the waste pile to initiate the game. This card becomes the active card for the initial move.
Check the cards facing up in the tableau to find a card that is one position higher or lower than the active card on the waste pile. When a match is found, move the selected card from the tableau to the waste pile. For instance, if the waste pile's top card is a 5, you can move a 4 or a 6 onto it.
Then you can continue adding cards from the ones showing in either direction, up or down, until there are no more moves available. So, for example, you could do a sequence like 7 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 8 and so on.
Once a card from the tableau is moved to the waste pile, the card(s) directly underneath are turned face up and are available for play. This process continues, revealing new cards and creating more opportunities for moves as the game goes on escalating the pyramid-shaped peaks from the bottom upwards to the top.
If no valid moves are available from the tableau, draw a new card from the stockpile to the waste pile. This new card becomes the active card, opening up new opportunities to continue making other moves.
Your goal is to clear all the cards from the tableau by moving them to the waste pile. Once the tableau is cleared before the stockpile is finished, you'll have resolved the game.
If the stockpile is finished, no more valid moves are possible while there are cards still in play on the tableau, the game will finish and will remain unsolved. In other words, if cards remain in the tableau when the stockpile runs out, you'll have lost the game.
Solitaire TriPeaks is an engaging and strategic solitaire variant that offers a unique twist on traditional solitaire gameplay. By understanding and applying the rules effectively, players can enjoy a challenging and rewarding card game experience. Whether playing for relaxation or sharpening your strategic skills, Solitaire TriPeaks promises hours of enjoyable entertainment. So now that you understand the rules come and play tripeaks solitaire online, or download the solitaire tripeaks 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, pyramid solitaire and the good old klondike solitaire.