Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire builds a pyramid of twenty-eight cards. You remove cards in pairs that add up to thirteen, and Kings count on their own, until the pyramid is gone. Only cards that are not covered by others can be used, so each removal opens up new options. You also have a stock and a waste pile to help, with two extra turns through the stock. Play Pyramid Solitaire free online in your browser — no download or sign-up needed.

Stock 24Removed 0Redeals left 2Best 0

Ace = 1, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13. Click two free cards (not covered by others) that add up to 13 to remove them; a King is removed alone. The top waste card can be paired too. Click the stock to turn a card; the waste can be turned over twice.

Game Information

Category
Card Games
Players
Single player
Difficulty
One rule set
Game type
Solitaire, Cards, Pairs, Arithmetic
Works on
Desktop and mobile browsers
Controls
  • Mouse or touch: click two cards to remove them as a pair
  • Click the stock to turn a card onto the waste pile
Features
  • Highlights free cards
  • Redeals counter
  • Best number of removed cards saved

How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

Objective

Remove all cards from the pyramid.

Starting a game

Twenty-eight cards form a seven-row pyramid. The other twenty-four cards form the stock.

Rules

  • Card values: Ace 1, numbers face value, Jack 11, Queen 12, King 13.
  • A card is free when no card overlaps it from the row below.
  • Select two free cards (or one free card and the top card of the waste) that add up to 13 to remove them. A King is removed alone.
  • Click the stock to turn a card onto the waste pile. When the stock is empty you may turn the waste over again, twice at most.

Controls

  • Mouse or touch: click two cards to remove them as a pair
  • Click the stock to turn a card onto the waste pile

Winning and losing

You win by clearing the pyramid. The game is lost when no pair, King, stock turn or redeal is left.

Tips and Strategies

  • Work on the cards that cover the most others first.
  • Count the cards you need: if the only Seven is buried, plan around it.
  • Do not use up the waste pile cards too fast; keep them in mind for later pairs.
  • Kings are free points, but removing them early can open the way for more pairs.
  • Use your redeals only when you have checked that nothing else is possible.

Luck plays a part in every game, so no strategy can guarantee a win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a free card?

One that has no card from the row below overlapping it.

How many times can I turn the waste over?

Twice.

Do I need to pair with the waste?

Only when it helps; pairs from the pyramid alone are also fine.

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