How to Play Pyramid Solitaire: Rules & Strategies to Win

Pyramid Solitaire is an easy Solitaire variation that involves pairing cards that add up to 13 to remove them from the pyramid-shaped tableau. This is different from classic types of Solitaire, which require you to sequence cards and can be a fun way to practice math.

The catch with Pyramid Solitaire is that you can only pass through the stockpile once. However, if that's too challenging we also have an Easy Pyramid Solitaire variation that lets you pass through the stockpile twice.

Use this post to learn how to set up and play Pyramid Solitaire, and enjoy challenging yourself with this and other fun Solitaire games for free at Solitaire Bliss.

Pyramid Solitaire Objective

To win, you must clear the entire pyramid-shaped tableau by pairing cards that add up to 13. Because the king is worth 13 points, it's the only card that doesn't need a pair. The queen is worth 12, the jack 11, the ace 1, and all other cards are worth their face value.

Keep in mind that only the tableau must be cleared. You do not need to clear out cards from the stockpile or waste pile. However, once you run through all the playing cards in the stockpile, the game is over.

Pyramid Solitaire Setup

You can easily set up Pyramid Solitaire with your own 52-card deck or play an online version. This list explains how to set up the game and helps you get familiar with the Solitaire terms that drive gameplay:

• Tableau: Using 28 cards, deal cards face up into a pyramid shape consisting of seven rows. Start at the top with one card in the first row, two cards in the second row, and so on until the seventh row has seven cards. Each row should slightly overlap the cards in the row above. This pyramid must be cleared to win the game.
• Stockpile: Place the 24 remaining cards in one stack facedown to serve as the stockpile, or draw pile, that you draw from when you get stuck. You get only one pass through this pile, and you use stock cards one at a time.
• Waste pile: This pile sits next to the stockpile and is empty at first. At the beginning of the game, you flip over a single card from the stockpile, starting the waste pile. You can pair face-up waste pile cards with cards in the tableau, which helps you when you don't have other available moves. Foundation pile: Unlike Classic Solitaire, you only have one foundation pile located at the bottom right of the gameplay area. Place all pairs into this pile. Once they are placed here, they cannot move back into the tableau.

Rules for Pyramid Solitaire

You may already know how to play Solitaire but Pyramid doesn't just look different, it follows different rules as well. Pyramid Solitaire uses just a few simple rules, and these sections detail all you need to know to start playing.

Pair Cards That Add Up to 13

Rather than arranging the cards into sequences in the tableau, you just pair available cards that add up to 13. You can make pairs from the tableau or create pairs of cards using a card from the tableau and the top card on the waste pile. Once you create a pair, remove them from gameplay by placing them into the foundation pile.

You pair cards solely based on rank, not suit. As long as the pair adds up to 13, you can remove the cards, even if suits and colors are mixed. Their rank reflects their card value, and because kings are worth 13, they don't need a pair. Cards can be paired and placed into the foundation as follows:

• Kings (13)
• Queen (12) + ace (1)
• Jack (11) + two
• Ten + three
• Nine + four
• Eight + five
• Seven + six

Play Only Available Cards

You can only play exposed cards, which are cards that are face up and do not have other cards overlapping them. You open up new cards for play when you match cards in this game. For example, when you pair cards from the bottom row you expose new cards in the row above it.

Available cards must be face up, so you can't play a card that's hidden in the stockpile, but you can play the face-up top card on the waste pile.

Draw from the Stockpile If You Get Stuck

If you can't create a pair from cards in the tableau, you can turn one card over from the stockpile face up into the waste pile, making it available to use. If you can pair it with an available card on the tableau, move both cards to the foundation pile, revealing another card in the waste pile.

Pass Through the Stockpile Only Once

In pyramid Solitaire, you can only cycle through the stockpile once. So use the stockpile only as a last resort and play off the tableau as much as possible.

Strategies to Win Pyramid Solitaire

Some Solitaire strategies can be used across many different variants, but winning Pyramid Solitaire means using specific strategies tailored to this variation. Try these strategies to boost your win rate:

• Look for buried multiples. Because each rank has only one other rank to pair with it, you only get four options to pair one card. For example, one ten can be paired with a three of clubs, spades, diamonds, or hearts. If ranks are buried, however, you risk running past the card you need as you cycle through the stockpile. For example, if three of the four nines are already in the tableau, you need to focus on finding their mates (four of hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs, in this example) and revealing the buried cards before you get stuck or run out of options.
• Count cards. While it sounds complicated, counting cards in this variation is simple. If you need a six to pair with a seven that is buried, keep track of all the sixes that you cycle through or that are already in the tableau. This helps you strategize to keep your options open so you can make the pairs you need to clear the tableau.
• Survey the tableau before playing. This strategy works to support counting cards, buried multiples, and planning your gameplay. Before you even turn one card over from the stockpile, take a good look at the tableau and create a plan to bypass possible roadblocks.
• Use the stockpile as a last resort. You only get once pass through the stockpile so make it count. Don't cycle through it too quickly because if you run out of stockpile cards, you lose the game. So be sure to use cards in the tableau as much as possible, choosing to pair cards that give you the most subsequent plays.
• Try to pair evenly across the pyramid. It can be tempting to pair anything available on the tableau, but if you work up one side of the pyramid, the overlapping nature of the tableau can quickly keep you blocked from moving forward on the other side. So carefully work as evenly as possible so you don't end up with a lopsided pyramid that blocks you from pairing cards.
• Play kings immediately. Kings don't need a pair, so always play them immediately. One king won't make the tableau too uneven, and playing it will often reveal another card you can use in the tableau.

Variations to Try

If you enjoy Pyramid Solitaire and want to try similar games, these fun Solitaire variations only require a single deck of cards:

• Pyramid 2 Passes: If you find Pyramid Solitaire to be a bit too challenging, this variation eases it up, giving you two passes instead of just one through the stockpile.
• TriPeaks Solitaire: Another slightly easier version, TriPeaks Solitaire has a tableau of three peaks, but instead of pairing cards that add up to 13, you pair a card on the tableau that is one rank higher or lower than the card in the single foundation pile.
• Golf Solitaire: Another pairing Solitaire game, Golf Solitaire has you pair cards like TriPeaks, pairing the foundation card with a single card from the tableau that is one rank higher or lower.

Challenge Your Skill with Pyramid Solitaire on Solitaire Bliss

Whether it's your first Pyramid Solitaire card game, or you're a pro, this popular single-player card game creates a fun challenge for your skills. You can play with your own deck of cards or play Pyramid Solitaire online for free without any downloads at Solitaire Bliss today!