Play Pyramid Solitaire Online for Free

Pyramid Solitaire is played with a standard 52-card deck. As the name suggests, the cards are laid out in a pyramid shape, creating a visually appealing puzzle that blends simple addition with strategic decision-making. The objective is to remove pairs of cards whose values add up to 13, ultimately clearing the entire pyramid.

This game includes features such as undo button, hint option, and customizable layouts. These digital conveniences make the game accessible and enjoyable for novices and seasoned players alike.

How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

1. Setup

   • From a standard 52-card deck, deal out 28 cards in a pyramid form:
     • 1 card in the top row,
     • 2 cards in the second row,
     • … continuing until the seventh row has 7 cards.
   • Each card must partially overlap the two cards directly below it, creating the “pyramid.”
   • The remaining 24 cards form the stock (face down). A nearby waste pile is formed when you flip over cards from the stock.

2. Card Values

   • Numbered cards retain their face value (2 = 2, 3 = 3, etc.).
   • Aces count as 1.
   • Jacks count as 11, Queens as 12, and Kings as 13.

3. Removing Cards

   • Only “uncovered” cards (cards not overlapped by any other card) in the pyramid are eligible to be paired or removed.
   • You remove cards in pairs that total 13 (e.g., 5 + 8, 6 + 7, 10 + 3, Jack + 2, Queen + Ace).
   • Kings, being 13 on their own, can be removed individually without needing a pair.

4. Using the Stock

   • Flip the stock over one card at a time (or three at a time, depending on the variation).
   • The revealed card goes into the waste pile. Cards from the top of the waste pile that match with an uncovered card in the pyramid (and sum to 13) can be removed together.
   • Some versions allow one or more redeals, returning the waste pile to the stock when it’s exhausted.

5. Winning the Game

   • You win if you manage to remove all cards from the pyramid (and often from the waste pile) by pairing them correctly.

Interesting Facts About Pyramid Solitaire

1. Challenging Success Rate

   • Pyramid Solitaire is known to be trickier than Klondike or Spider in terms of consistency. The odds of winning vary depending on the rules (redeals, etc.), but it’s generally considered one of the more challenging Solitaire games.

2. Historical Puzzle Appeal

   • With its focus on pairing numbers, it appeals to both card enthusiasts and puzzle lovers. It’s been a favorite in puzzle magazines and leisure games collections for decades.

3. Numerous Variations

   • Variants like Tut’s Tomb or Tri-Peaks offer twists on the basic Pyramid concept, often changing the tableau layout or scoring system.

4. King Priority

   • Since Kings automatically equal 13, many players find removing Kings first to be a quick, satisfying way to reduce the pyramid.

5. Global Popularity

   • Despite being a primarily numeric-based puzzle, Pyramid Solitaire’s easy-to-grasp concept has helped it spread worldwide, enjoyed by players of all ages.

Tips and Tricks

1. Remove Kings Immediately

   • Because Kings count as 13 alone, removing them frees up space and opens new moves without needing a partner card.

2. Plan Multiple Moves Ahead

   • Look beyond the immediate pair. Sometimes a short-term pair might block a more critical pair underneath.

3. Keep Track of Card Rankings

   • Remember which pairs sum to 13 (Ace+Queen, 2+Jack, 3+10, 4+9, 5+8, 6+7). This helps in quickly identifying matches without losing momentum.

4. Use Stock Cards Wisely

   • Don’t rush to flip through the stock. Sometimes waiting to reveal a stock card until you’ve cleared part of the pyramid can unlock more pairing opportunities.

5. Save Your Undos (If Available)

   • Online Pyramid Solitaire may offer an “undo” feature. Using this sparingly and strategically can help you correct a move that inadvertently blocks future options.

Strategies for Winning

1. Prioritize Uncovering New Cards

   • Each pair you remove often reveals previously covered cards. Maximizing the number of “freed” cards early in the game can create chain reactions of subsequent matches.

2. Conserve Stock Cards

   • If you have limited or no redeals, treat each stock card as a valuable resource. Sometimes it’s better to skip a pair in the pyramid if it prevents a more crucial match using a future stock card.

3. Mind the Waste Pile

   • Always check if the top waste card can pair with an uncovered pyramid card. If not, think about how removing other pairs might allow it to match.

4. Look for Overlaps

   • Because each card in the pyramid overlaps two below it, removing a top-level pair can unlock multiple new cards at once. Focus on removing pairs that free up the maximum number of hidden cards.

5. Practice Different Variations

   • Playing variations like “Easy Pyramid” (with more redeals) can help you hone your recognition of numerical pairings. Then, transition to more restrictive rules to sharpen your skills further.

Pyramid Solitaire merges the intrigue of number pairing with the familiar mechanics of card games, creating a mentally stimulating challenge. By carefully planning your moves, leveraging the stock wisely, and focusing on freeing up hidden cards, you’ll maximize your odds of success. Enjoy this captivating blend of strategy and chance—one pair at a time!