TriPeaks Solitaire (also known as Three Peaks, Tri Towers, or Triple Peaks) is a classic single-player card game in the patience/solitaire family. It combines straightforward rules with a relaxing pace, making it popular among casual players and seniors. The game’s name comes from its distinctive tableau layout of three pyramid-shaped card peaks. TriPeaks Solitaire’s appeal lies in its simplicity and quick gameplay – a round can often be completed in just a few minutes. Despite its ease of play, it still offers enough strategy to keep players engaged. This blend of easy-to-learn rules and light strategic challenge makes TriPeaks an ideal choice for those seeking an entertaining yet low-pressure card game experience.
A Brief History of TriPeaks Solitaire
Compared to many traditional card games, TriPeaks Solitaire is relatively new – it was invented in 1989 by Robert Hogue. Hogue first introduced TriPeaks as a computer game, and it gained a wide audience after being included in Microsoft’s Windows Entertainment Pack 3 and later the Microsoft Solitaire Collection. This digital debut helped popularize TriPeaks globally, as millions of PC users discovered the game. Over time, TriPeaks has been adapted into countless online and mobile versions. Its enduring popularity is also due to the game’s high rate of solvability – Hogue’s analysis found that over 90% of TriPeaks deals are winnable, a much higher success rate than many other solitaire variants. Today, TriPeaks Solitaire is featured on numerous websites and apps, standing as one of the most well-known solitaire games of the modern era.
How to Play TriPeaks Solitaire (Rules and Gameplay)
Objective: The goal of TriPeaks Solitaire is to clear all the cards from the three “peaks” on the tableau into the waste (discard pile). You win the game by removing all face-up cards from the peaks, regardless of how many cards remain in the stock. If you run out of moves and cards in the stock before clearing the peaks, you lose.
A TriPeaks Solitaire layout begins with three overlapping pyramids (or peaks) of cards. The aim is to remove all these cards by pairing them to the waste pile one rank up or down.
Setup: TriPeaks uses a standard 52-card deck (no jokers). The tableau is dealt into a special three-peak shape: three adjacent card pyramids each four rows high. In a typical layout, 18 cards are face-down (forming the peaks) and 10 cards are dealt face-up in a row at the bottom, overlapping the lower parts of the peaks. All exposed cards (the entire bottom row and any other card with no card covering it) are available to play. The remaining 24 cards form the stock, which is placed face-down off to the side. To start the game, the top card of the stock is flipped face-up to form the initial waste pile (also called the discard pile or foundation).
Gameplay Rules: TriPeaks Solitaire rules are simple and easy to follow. You remove cards from the tableau by moving a card to the waste pile if its rank is one higher or one lower than the current top card of the waste, regardless of suit. For example, if the waste pile’s top card is a 5, you can play either a 4 or a 6 from the tableau onto the waste. Cards wrap around the sequence, meaning Kings and Aces are considered adjacent ranks – you can play an Ace on a King or a King on an Ace (this is sometimes called “turning the corner”). Each time you move a face-up tableau card to the waste, it may expose the face-down card beneath it; newly uncovered cards are then turned face-up and become available for play. You continue removing cards in sequence, building runs (e.g. 7-8-9-10-J-Q, etc.) as long as each next card is one rank above or below the last. If you have no moves available from the tableau, you click the stock pile to flip the next card onto the waste and resume play with that new waste card. There are no re-deals in TriPeaks – you can go through the stock pile only once, drawing one card at a time. It’s wise to save the stock for when you truly need it, since drawing a new waste card too early can break a potential long sequence of moves.
Step-by-Step Play: To summarize the rules, here is how a typical game of TriPeaks Solitaire progresses:
- Deal the Layout: Shuffle the deck and deal out three pyramids of overlapping cards (each pyramid has cards facedown except the bottom row). Deal a row of 10 cards face-up at the base of the peaks. Place the remaining cards face-down as the stock.
- Start the Waste Pile: Flip the top card of the stock face-up to begin the waste pile. This is the active card you will build upon.
- Make Valid Moves: Look at the face-up cards on the tableau (the peaks). You may move any face-up card that is one rank higher or lower than the waste pile’s top card onto the waste. Suits don’t matter. For example, if the waste shows a 7, you can remove any available 6 or 8 from the peaks onto the waste. After you move a card, it becomes the new top of the waste. Continue removing cards in sequence if possible (e.g. if you moved an 8 onto the 7, now a 9 or 7 can be played on the 8, and so on). If you remove a card that was covering a face-down card, flip the newly uncovered card face-up – it is now in play.
- Draw from the Stock when Needed: If no face-up tableau card can be played (no card is one rank above or below the waste card), draw the next card from the stock and place it on the waste pile. This new card becomes the active card to compare ranks with the tableau. Use the stock only when you have no available moves from the peaks, because drawing too soon might waste opportunities for longer sequences.
- Continue Play: Alternate between moving eligible cards from the peaks and flipping new cards from the stock whenever you get stuck. With luck and good choices, you might create a long chain of removals without needing to draw, but whenever you hit a dead end, use the stock to get a new base card and resume removing tableau cards. Remember that Kings and Aces connect, so leverage the King-Ace wrap-around to extend sequences.
- Winning the Game: The game ends when you have cleared all the cards from the three peaks, thereby winning the round. If you exhaust the stock and no moves remain while cards are still on the peaks, the game is lost. In most online versions, your score will be higher if you win with fewer stock draws or by making long consecutive runs of moves (some games award bonus points for each card in an uninterrupted sequence). Don’t be discouraged by losses – TriPeaks has a high solvability rate, so with a bit of strategy you can win most games.
TriPeaks Solitaire Strategy Tips and Tricks
For those seeking TriPeaks strategy tips to improve their success, below are several effective tactics. Although TriPeaks is an easier solitaire game to play, a smart strategy can help maximize your score and win rate. Keep these tips in mind as you play:
Prioritize Uncovering Hidden Cards: Whenever you have a choice of moves, play the card that will reveal a face-down card underneath if possible. Opening up new cards gives you more future moves. For instance, if you can remove one of two cards of the same rank, pick the one that frees a hidden card rather than the one that doesn’t. Exposed cards create additional opportunities, whereas leaving cards face-down might bottleneck your progress. By always aiming to uncover cards, you increase the chances of long runs and avoid getting stuck early.
Build Long Sequences: Try to remove as many cards in a row as you can without flipping from the stock. In TriPeaks, you can alternate going higher or lower at any time, so plan moves that let you continue the sequence. Long sequences not only clear more cards quickly, but in many game versions they also give bonus points for each extra card in the run. To maximize your sequence length, look ahead at the tableau and plot a route: for example, you might play a 6 on a 7, then a 5 on the 6, then an Ace on the 2 (wrapping around), and so on. Avoid breaking a sequence unless absolutely necessary – drawing from the stock resets any sequence bonus and should be a last resort.
Use the Stock Wisely: Treat the stock pile as a safety net rather than a crutch. Each time you flip a stock card, you potentially end whatever sequence you were building. So, do not draw from the stock until you have no playable moves on the tableau. Often you might overlook a possible move; double-check the peaks carefully before using the stock. By conserving the stock cards, you give yourself more chances to extend runs and clear peaks without interruption. In some cases, especially near the end of the game, you might even anticipate which stock cards remain (based on what’s been played) to decide the optimal time to draw.
Don’t Fixate on One Peak: It may be tempting to clear one of the three peaks completely as soon as possible, but a better approach is to play cards from all over the tableau in a balanced way. If you focus solely on one pyramid, the others remain untouched and keep many cards face-down. Instead, remove cards row by row across the peaks when you can (i.e. clear the lowest row across all peaks, then the next row, etc.). This strategy minimizes overlapping cards and increases the number of face-up cards available at any time. The more cards you have open, the greater your choice of moves to continue sequences. In short, work across the peaks to prevent situations where one peak has many concealed cards that you can’t access.
Keep Track of Discarded Cards (Advanced): Since TriPeaks uses a single deck of 52, a sharp player can sometimes deduce which cards are still unaccounted for. Paying attention to which ranks have been removed helps inform your strategy. For example, if you have a 6 showing on a peak but you notice that all four 5s are already in the waste pile, you know that 6 can now only be cleared by a 7. If most 7s have also been used, that 6 is at risk of being stranded. By mentally tracking key cards, you can prioritize moves that eliminate those potential roadblocks. This is an advanced skill, but it can slightly improve your odds of clearing every card. Don’t worry if you can’t memorize every card; even a rough idea of which high or low ranks remain can guide your decisions.
(Tip: If you’re playing a digital version that allows an “undo” move, you can use it strategically. For instance, you might temporarily remove a card to see what’s underneath and then undo if it’s not advantageous – just note that using undo will break any active sequence bonus.)*
Interesting Facts and Trivia about TriPeaks
TriPeaks Solitaire has its share of interesting facts and tidbits that add to its charm. Here are a few trivia points about the game:
- A Modern Classic: Unlike many patience games that date back to the 19th century, TriPeaks is just over 30 years old, having been created in 1989. Its relative youth hasn’t stopped it from becoming a staple in digital card game collections worldwide.
- Inventor and Popularization: The game’s inventor, Robert Hogue, not only designed TriPeaks but also proved its playability through computer analysis. TriPeaks was first introduced to players as part of a Microsoft Windows game package and later the ubiquitous Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which greatly boosted its popularity.
- Alternative Names: TriPeaks Solitaire is known by several other names. You might hear it referred to as “Three Peaks,” “Tri Towers,” or “Triple Peaks,” all referencing the hallmark three-peak layout. Some online platforms and mobile apps use these names interchangeably, but the gameplay is the same.
- High Winnability: TriPeaks is considered a forgiving solitaire game. Over 90% of all TriPeaks deals are solvable, according to statistical analyses. This means the vast majority of games can be won with optimal play, a much higher percentage than many solitaire variants. (By comparison, some games like Clock Solitaire have a win rate of under 8% in random deals!) This high likelihood of winning makes TriPeaks especially satisfying and encouraging for players.
- A Variation of Golf Solitaire: Card game enthusiasts often note that TriPeaks Solitaire is essentially a thematic variation of the older Golf Solitaire game. Both games share the same basic one-up/one-down removal rule. The main difference is the layout – Golf uses seven columns, whereas TriPeaks uses the three pyramid-shaped peaks. TriPeaks also draws some inspiration from Pyramid Solitaire in its visual layout. This blend of familiar mechanics in a new design helped TriPeaks stand out as a unique game when it first appeared.
Benefits of Playing TriPeaks Solitaire for Seniors
TriPeaks Solitaire isn’t just fun – it can also be beneficial for senior players. As one of the popular solitaire games for seniors, it offers mental stimulation and relaxation without being physically demanding. Here are some specific benefits of playing TriPeaks (and solitaire games in general) for older adults:
Cognitive Exercise and Memory: Playing TriPeaks Solitaire gives the brain a healthy workout. Studies suggest that playing card games like solitaire can help improve and maintain cognitive function, and even correlate with a lower risk of dementia in seniors. The game requires you to pay attention to changing card layouts, remember which cards have been revealed or removed, and plan moves accordingly. This engages short-term memory and concentration. Regularly challenging the mind with such puzzles helps keep it sharp. Seniors who play solitaire are essentially practicing problem-solving and memory recall in an enjoyable way.
Stress Relief and Relaxation: Solitaire games have a meditative quality. TriPeaks, in particular, is low-pressure and relaxing – there’s no competition or time stress (unless you choose a timed version). Players can take their time and get “in the zone” focusing on the game. This focused, calm engagement can act as a form of stress relief, helping to take one’s mind off worries. In fact, the thoughtful, methodical play style of solitaire has been noted to put players in a near-meditative state that aids in managing stress and anxiety. For seniors, this relaxation is valuable for overall well-being. The patience and planning required can also foster mindfulness and emotional control over time.
Easy to Learn, Encouraging to Play: TriPeaks is simple to learn and play, even for those who are new to card games. The straightforward rules mean that seniors can pick it up quickly without feeling overwhelmed. Importantly, TriPeaks offers far more chances to win than many other solitaire games – for example, Clock Solitaire has only about a 7% win rate, whereas TriPeaks has over a 90% win rate with optimal play. This high success rate can give players a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Winning frequently (or at least coming close) keeps frustration low and motivation high. The game’s short rounds and gentle learning curve make it accessible, so seniors can enjoy regular mental stimulation and fun without getting discouraged. Overall, TriPeaks provides a positive, confidence-boosting gaming experience for older adults.
Play TriPeaks Solitaire Online for Free
One of the great advantages of TriPeaks Solitaire today is that it’s readily available to play online for free. There’s no need to have a physical deck of cards or set up the layout yourself – a computer, tablet, or smartphone can deal and shuffle for you. Many websites host free online TriPeaks Solitaire games with user-friendly interfaces. For instance, you can play TriPeaks Solitaire online for free at SolitaireX.io, which offers the game in a simple, accessible format. On such platforms, seniors and casual players don’t have to download anything or navigate complex menus; you can start a game with one click and play at your own pace.
Playing TriPeaks Solitaire online also often comes with optional features like undo buttons, score tracking, and hints – helpful tools for learning or enhancing your play. Whether you want to practice your strategy or just pass the time, online play makes it convenient. SolitaireX.io, in particular, allows you to enjoy TriPeaks in your web browser anytime, free of charge. It’s an excellent way to experience the game if you’re curious or want a quick session of solitaire without setup hassle. Give it a try, and enjoy the engaging yet relaxing gameplay that TriPeaks Solitaire provides.
By combining easy rules, strategic depth, and mental benefits, TriPeaks Solitaire offers a rewarding experience for players of all ages. Whether you’re a senior looking for a solitaire game to keep your mind sharp or a casual player seeking a fun card game, TriPeaks is a fantastic choice. Set up your peaks (or head online to SolitaireX.io) and start clearing those cards – happy gaming!