Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire – Match Cards, Clear the Pyramid, Sharpen Your Strategy

Pyramid Solitaire is a timeless single-player card game that combines simple math with thoughtful planning. Using a standard 52-card deck, your objective is to remove every card from the pyramid by matching cards that total 13. Easy to understand yet rewarding to master, each deal presents a fresh puzzle where every decision can influence the outcome.

Since every pyramid card is dealt face up, you can study the entire layout before making your first move, allowing skill and strategy to play a bigger role than luck.

Game Set Up

The game begins with 28 face-up cards arranged in a seven-row pyramid.

• Row 1 contains 1 card

• Row 2 contains 2 cards

• Row 3 contains 3 cards

• Continue this pattern until the bottom row contains 7 cards

Cards overlap the row beneath them, meaning covered cards cannot be removed until every card blocking them has been cleared.

The remaining 24 cards become the draw pile.

Stock Pile

The undealt cards form the stock, placed face down. Draw one card at a time whenever you need additional matching opportunities.

Waste Pile

Cards drawn from the stock are placed face up in the waste pile. Only the top waste card is active and may be paired with any available pyramid card. If the top card is a King, it can be removed immediately.

Available Cards

Only uncovered cards may be selected.

A card becomes available when no other cards overlap it from below. At the start of the game, only the seven cards along the bottom row are playable.

As cards disappear, higher cards gradually become exposed, allowing you to work upward until the pyramid is completely dismantled.

Card Values and Matching Rules

Cards are removed whenever their combined value equals 13.

Valid Combinations

• Ace + Queen

• 2 + Jack

• 3 + 10

• 4 + 9

• 5 + 8

• 6 + 7

• King (removed alone)

Card suits have no effect. Only numerical values matter.

Pairs may consist of:

• Two exposed pyramid cards

• One exposed pyramid card plus the top waste card

Kings are unique because they already equal 13 and require no partner.

Using the Stock and Redeals

When no more moves are available in the pyramid, draw from the stock.

Each drawn card is placed onto the waste pile, creating new pairing opportunities.

After the stock is exhausted:

• The waste pile is turned over to become a new stock.

• You may replay the deck.

• A total of three passes through the stock are allowed, giving you two redeals after the initial run.

Once the final pass ends, no additional cards can be drawn.

Winning the Game

Victory is achieved by removing all 28 cards from the pyramid.

Cards remaining in the stock or waste pile do not affect your win.

Although some deals cannot be solved because of unavoidable card arrangements, thoughtful play significantly improves your chances of success.

Controls

Playing is quick and intuitive.

• Click or tap one card, then select its matching partner.

• Tap a King once to remove it immediately.

• Drag-and-drop pairing is also supported on many devices.

Helpful game features typically include:

• New Game

• Undo

• Redo

• Hint

Unlimited Undo lets you explore different strategies without penalty, while replayable deal numbers make it easy to challenge yourself or compare solutions with friends.

Pyramid Solitaire Strategy Guide

Study the Layout Before Drawing

Every pyramid card is visible from the beginning.

Before using the stock:

• Identify all available pairs.

• Look for cards that will unlock additional rows.

• Plan several moves ahead whenever possible.

Saving the stock for later usually creates more opportunities.

Remove Kings Immediately

Kings never require a matching card.

Removing them as soon as they become available:

• Opens new cards instantly.

• Preserves useful matching cards.

• Clears the waste pile when a King appears there.

There is almost never a reason to delay removing an exposed King.

Prioritize Moves That Reveal More Cards

Not every valid pair offers the same benefit.

Whenever multiple choices exist, favor the move that:

• Fully uncovers another card.

• Opens multiple future matches.

• Frees the center of the pyramid, where many cards are trapped.

Thinking beyond the current move often leads to much higher win rates.

Watch for Trapped Matches

Each rank has only four copies.

Sometimes every possible partner becomes blocked beneath one another, making completion impossible.

Pay attention to:

• Cards covering their own matching partners.

• Remaining copies of important ranks.

• Situations where delaying a move could permanently block future matches.

Recognizing impossible layouts early can save valuable time.

Manage Your Three Stock Passes Carefully

The stock is a limited resource.

For the best results:

• Use pyramid-only matches whenever possible.

• Remember useful cards that pass through the waste.

• Avoid wasting a valuable waste card if another pyramid match achieves a better result.

• During the final pass, remove every available match since missed opportunities cannot return.

Careful stock management often makes the difference between winning and falling just short.

Enjoy Pyramid Solitaire Anytime

Pyramid Solitaire blends straightforward rules with meaningful decision-making. Every deal becomes a new logic puzzle where observation, planning, and efficient card removal matter more than speed. Whether you're looking for a relaxing card game or a satisfying brain challenge, Pyramid Solitaire delivers engaging gameplay that rewards careful strategy and repeated play.

Play Pyramid Solitaire now, challenge yourself to clear every pyramid, improve your strategy with each deal, and see how many layouts you can solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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