Among the many variations of classic card games, Pyramid Solitaire stands out with its unique pyramid-shaped layout and a gameplay style that combines basic math with strategy. It’s simple enough for beginners, but engaging enough to keep you coming back for more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how Pyramid Solitaire is played, what rules you need to follow, and which strategies can help you win more consistently.
The objective in Pyramid Solitaire is to remove all the cards from the pyramid by pairing them up to make a total of 13. Sounds simple, right? It is but only if you play wisely.
Each card has a value:
Ace = 1
2 to 10 = face value
Jack (J) = 11
Queen (Q) = 12
King (K) = 13
Kings are special because they already equal 13 and can be removed by themselves, with no need for a pair.
The game is played with one standard 52-card deck. The cards are arranged as follows:
28 cards are dealt into a pyramid shape one card in the top row, two in the next, and so on until there are 7 rows total.
The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile, which players draw from during the game.
Only uncovered cards (those that do not have any cards laying on top of them) are available to play.
The game board consists of:
The Pyramid, where most of the gameplay happens.
The Stock, where you draw additional cards when no moves are left.
The Waste pile, where drawn cards are placed and may be matched with pyramid cards.
The rules are straightforward, which is part of what makes this game so popular:
If a card has another card on top of it even partially it cannot be used until it’s fully uncovered.
For example:
10 + 3
9 + 4
8 + 5
7 + 6
Queen (12) + Ace (1)
are worth 13 on their own and can be removed immediately without needing a pair.
You can draw one card at a time from the stock pile, and if it matches a pyramid card to make 13, both are removed.
You win the game by clearing the entire pyramid before you run out of moves or stock cards.
Though the game seems simple at first glance, winning consistently requires planning and smart moves. Here are some strategy tips to help you:
The more cards you uncover, the more options you gain. Always try to make moves that will free up other cards in the pyramid.
Since Kings don’t require a pair, it’s best to remove them as soon as they’re available. They take up valuable space.
Sometimes multiple cards can be paired with the same value for example, if you have two 5s and two 8s. Pick the pair that will uncover more useful cards.
Use stock cards only when you’ve run out of other options. Once you cycle through the stock pile, there’s no going back.
It helps to look two or three moves ahead. Ask yourself: If I remove this pair, what card becomes available next? That’s often the difference between winning and losing.
People who enjoy quick and smart card games,
Casual gamers looking for a relaxing challenge,
Puzzle lovers who enjoy math-based logic,
Fans of traditional solitaire looking for a fresh twist.
The game is easy to pick up and play, but hard to master. That balance makes it suitable for all ages.
Pyramid Solitaire offers the perfect mix of simplicity and mental challenge. It’s a fantastic solo game for relaxing your mind while keeping it active. Whether you play on a desktop or mobile device, each game is a new puzzle waiting to be solved.
With smart strategy and a bit of luck, you can conquer the pyramid and win the game. Just remember: every move matters, and sometimes the best move is not the obvious one.
So, shuffle your deck, build your pyramid, and begin clearing it one clever pair at a time.