How to Play Pyramid Solitaire: Complete Guide

Pyramid Solitaire is one of the most addictive and accessible solitaire variations. Unlike traditional solitaire games that focus on building sequences, Pyramid Solitaire is all about simple arithmetic: matching pairs of cards that add up to 13. The elegant pyramid layout and straightforward rules make it perfect for quick games, yet the strategic depth keeps experienced players coming back for more.

Game Setup and Objective

Pyramid Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck. Twenty-eight cards are dealt into a pyramid shape with seven rows: one card in the top row, two cards in the second row, three in the third, and so on until the bottom row has seven cards. Each card overlaps two cards in the row below it (except the bottom row). The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.

The objective is simple: remove all 28 cards from the pyramid by matching pairs that total 13. Once the pyramid is clear, you win!

Card Values in Pyramid Solitaire

Understanding card values is crucial:

• Ace = 1
• 2 through 10 = Face value
• Jack = 11
• Queen = 12
• King = 13 (removed alone, no pair needed)

Valid Pairs That Equal 13

Here are all the valid combinations:

• Ace (1) + Queen (12) = 13
• 2 + Jack (11) = 13
• 3 + 10 = 13
• 4 + 9 = 13
• 5 + 8 = 13
• 6 + 7 = 13
• King (13) = removed alone

Rules and Gameplay

Card Removal Rules

• Only Uncovered Cards: A card must be completely uncovered (not overlapped by any other cards) to be available for matching.
• Any Uncovered Pair: You can match any two uncovered pyramid cards, or match one pyramid card with the waste pile card.
• Kings Remove Alone: Since Kings equal 13, they can be removed individually without a pair.
• Stock Cycling: You can cycle through the stock pile, drawing one card at a time to the waste pile.

Stock and Waste Pile

When you can't find matches in the pyramid, click the stock to draw a card to the waste pile. You can then match the waste card with an uncovered pyramid card. In most versions, you can cycle through the stock multiple times, though some variations allow only one pass.

Winning Strategies for Pyramid Solitaire

1. Remove Kings Immediately: Kings block two cards beneath them and provide no strategic value by staying. Remove them as soon as they're uncovered.
2. Prioritize Uncovering Lower Rows: Cards in the bottom rows overlap fewer cards above them. Focus on clearing the bottom rows to expose more cards in the middle of the pyramid.
3. Plan Several Moves Ahead: Before removing a pair, visualize which cards will become uncovered. Sometimes keeping a high-value card exposed gives you more matching options.
4. Save the Waste Pile: Don't rush to use waste pile cards. Sometimes it's better to match pyramid cards with each other to preserve the waste card as a future option.
5. Know the Remaining Cards: Keep mental track of which cards have been removed. If you've removed three Queens, you know the fourth Queen needs to match with an Ace that's still in play.
6. Create Multiple Options: When possible, make moves that uncover multiple cards rather than single cards. More uncovered cards = more matching possibilities.
7. Don't Get Blocked: Be careful not to create situations where needed cards are buried under their own pairs. For example, if both 6s are buried under both 7s, you can't make a 6-7 match.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Removing pairs without planning: Just because you CAN remove a pair doesn't mean you should. Consider what gets uncovered first.
• Ignoring Kings: Leaving Kings on the pyramid wastes opportunities to uncover other cards.
• Rushing through the stock: Take time to find all possible pyramid pairs before drawing from stock.
• Not counting cards: Failing to track which cards remain can lead to impossible situations.

Pyramid Solitaire Variations

Relaxed Pyramid

Allows unlimited passes through the stock pile. This is the most forgiving version with the highest win rate (30-50%).

Standard Pyramid

Allows three passes through the stock. This is the classic version with moderate difficulty (win rate: 15-25%).

Strict Pyramid

Only one pass through the stock allowed. Very challenging with win rates around 5-10%.

Tut's Tomb (Giza)

Uses three pyramids instead of one, with different clearing rules. Much more complex and longer to play.

The History of Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire's exact origins are unclear, but it gained popularity in the late 20th century. Unlike Klondike (dating to the 1890s), Pyramid appears to be a more modern invention, possibly from the 1960s or 1970s. The game's simple rules and visual pyramid layout made it perfect for computerization.

Pyramid Solitaire exploded in popularity when Microsoft included it in the Microsoft Solitaire Collection in 2012. The game's quick play time (typically 3-5 minutes) made it ideal for mobile gaming, leading to countless smartphone apps featuring the pyramid format.

Why Pyramid Solitaire Is So Addictive

Pyramid Solitaire's appeal comes from its perfect balance of luck and skill. The rules are simple enough to learn in 30 seconds, making it accessible to everyone. Yet skilled players can significantly improve their win rates through strategic play and card counting.

The visual satisfaction of watching the pyramid collapse as you remove cards provides instant gratification. Games are quick (3-10 minutes), so losing doesn't feel frustrating—you can immediately start a new game. This "just one more game" quality makes Pyramid Solitaire dangerously addictive.

Frequently Asked Questions