Pyramid Solitaire — Complete Guide

Pyramid Solitaire is a matching-style solitaire game where you pair cards that add up to 13 to remove them from a pyramid-shaped tableau. It’s a refreshing change from traditional Klondike, relying more on arithmetic and planning than building sequences.

This guide covers the rules, setup, card values, and strategies to help you get the highest scores and occasional perfect clears.

Setup

Build the Pyramid

Deal 28 cards face-up in a pyramid formation:

• Row 1 (top): 1 card
• Row 2: 2 cards, overlapping the card above
• Row 3: 3 cards
• Row 4: 4 cards
• Row 5: 5 cards
• Row 6: 6 cards
• Row 7 (base): 7 cards, fully exposed

Each card from rows 2-7 overlaps two cards from the row above, partially covering them.

Create the Stock

The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile (draw pile), placed face-down.

Waste Pile

As you draw cards from the stock, they go to the waste pile face-up. The top card of the waste pile can be used for pairing.

How to Play

The Objective

Remove all 28 cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that add up to exactly 13.

Card Values

Valid Pairs

Pairs must total exactly 13:

• King (13) — Removed alone (no pair needed)
• Queen (12) + Ace (1) = 13
• Jack (11) + 2 = 13
• 10 + 3 = 13
• 9 + 4 = 13
• 8 + 5 = 13
• 7 + 6 = 13

What Is an “Exposed” Card?

A card is exposed when no other cards overlap it. In the pyramid:

• All 7 cards in the bottom row start exposed
• Cards in higher rows become exposed when both cards below them are removed

Making Pairs

You can pair:

1. Two exposed pyramid cards that add to 13
2. One exposed pyramid card + the top waste pile card that add to 13
3. The top waste card + the next stock card that add to 13 (in some versions)

When you pair, both cards are removed from the game.

Using the Stock

• Draw one card at a time from the stock to the waste pile
• The top waste card can be paired with exposed pyramid cards
• In standard rules, you cycle through the stock once (no reshuffling)
• Some variants allow 2-3 passes through the stock

Winning vs. Scoring

Complete Win

Clear all 28 cards from the pyramid. This is rare — most games are mathematically unwinnable.

Score-Based Play

Since winning is uncommon, many versions focus on scoring:

• Each card removed = points (often the card’s value)
• Pyramid clear = large bonus (e.g., +100 points)
• Remaining pyramid cards = penalty
• Track your high score across games

Strategy Guide

1. Remove Kings Immediately

Kings are the only cards removed alone. Whenever a King becomes exposed, clear it — there’s never a reason to delay.

2. Analyze the Pyramid Before Playing

Before drawing from the stock, study the pyramid:

• Where are the Kings? (You’ll need to expose them all)
• Which cards are blocking important pairs?
• Are critical cards buried deep?
• Can any pyramid-only pairs be made?

3. Uncover Both Sides of the Pyramid

A common mistake: focusing on one side of the pyramid while neglecting the other. The cards at the very top can only be reached by clearing cards on both sides below.

Strategy: Work evenly across the pyramid rather than drilling down one edge.

4. Use the Stock Strategically

Don’t just draw mindlessly. Before drawing:

• Check if any pyramid pairs exist
• Check if the current waste card pairs with anything
• Only draw when no other moves are available

5. Track Key Cards

Pay attention to which cards have been removed:

• If three 8s are gone, the remaining 8 needs a 5 — is a 5 available?
• If all the 6s are removed, remaining 7s can only pair with themselves (in variants allowing waste-to-stock pairing) or other 7s
• Knowing what’s left helps you evaluate whether the game is still winnable

6. Prioritize Lower Cards in the Pyramid

Removing cards from the bottom row of the pyramid creates the most options. Each removal potentially exposes cards in the row above.

7. Don’t Waste Stock Cards

In single-pass variations, every stock card you play without pairing is lost. Consider whether drawing helps you more than waiting.

8. Recognize Unwinnable Positions

Sometimes the pyramid is unsolvable:

• A card is buried that has no remaining partner
• Both copies of a needed card are blocked behind each other
• The required sequences are impossible

Recognizing this saves time — reset and try a new deal.

Common Variations

Stock Cycling Rules

• Single pass: One cycle through the stock (hardest)
• Three passes: Reshuffle waste into stock twice (easier)
• Unlimited passes: Cycle through as much as needed (much easier)

Pairing Rules

• Standard: Pyramid-to-pyramid and pyramid-to-waste
• Extended: Also allows waste-to-stock pairing
• Relaxed: Allows pairs from anywhere (including waste-to-waste)

Scoring Variations

Tips for Higher Scores

Focus on Volume, Not Complete Clears

Since most games can’t be won, maximize cards removed per game:

• Clear as many as possible before getting stuck
• Don’t waste stock cards hoping for perfect play

Learn the Unfavorable Patterns

Some pyramid configurations are nearly impossible:

• All four Kings buried deep
• Key pairing cards blocking each other
• Critical numbers missing (e.g., no exposed Aces when you need them)

With experience, you’ll recognize bad deals early.

Play Quickly (in Timed Versions)

If your version has time-based scoring:

• Make obvious moves immediately
• Don’t overthink common pairs
• Speed comes from pattern recognition

Advanced Tactics

Counting Removals

As you play, track which cards are gone:

• All Aces removed? Remaining Queens are stuck
• Three 8s out? The last 8 needs a 5 — find it or you’re stuck

This mental math helps you avoid wasted moves.

Planning Multiple Moves Ahead

Before making a pair, visualize the results:

• What cards will become exposed?
• Will those new exposures create more pairs?
• Does this move help or trap you?

Example: Removing a 10-3 pair might expose a Queen… which needs an Ace… which is buried and inaccessible. The pair looks good but leads nowhere.

Working Backward from Kings

Identify where the Kings are. Then trace what needs to happen to expose each one:

• King in row 5 → remove two cards from row 6 → those cards need pairs from row 7 or stock
• Work backward to find the first actionable step

Pyramid Solitaire vs. Other Solitaires

Quick Reference

Card Pairs That Total 13

• K = removed alone
• Q + A
• J + 2
• 10 + 3
• 9 + 4
• 8 + 5
• 7 + 6

Priority Moves

1. Remove exposed Kings immediately
2. Make pyramid-only pairs before drawing
3. Use waste cards to clear pyramid
4. Draw only when necessary
5. Work both sides of the pyramid evenly

Pyramid Solitaire rewards pattern recognition and basic arithmetic. While complete wins are rare, the satisfaction of clearing a tough pyramid makes the challenge worthwhile. Track your scores, learn the patterns, and enjoy the puzzle.

For a clean browser-based Pyramid Solitaire experience, Solitaire Wave offers instant play with no account needed.