How to Play Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire is a popular math-based card puzzle played with a standard 52-card deck. The goal is to clear all 28 cards from the pyramid formation by pairing unblocked cards that add up to a value of 13.
Card Values & Board Layout
To play Pyramid, you need to know the point values of each card:
- Number Cards (2–10): Worth their face value.
- Aces: Worth 1 point.
- Jacks: Worth 11 points.
- Queens: Worth 12 points.
- Kings: Worth 13 points (removed alone, without a pair).
The Game Board
- The Pyramid: 28 cards dealt face-up into 7 overlapping rows.
- Stock Pile: The remaining 24 face-down cards used for drawing.
- Waste Pile: Face-up cards drawn from the stock, available for pairing.
Basic Rules & Valid Pairs
A pyramid card is available to play only when both cards overlapping it from the row below have been removed. Valid pairs that add up to 13:
- King (13) — removed alone.
- Queen + Ace, Jack + 2, 10 + 3, 9 + 4, 8 + 5, 7 + 6
You can pair two exposed pyramid cards together, or pair an exposed pyramid card with the top card of the waste pile.
Winning Strategies
- Prioritize the Pyramid: Favor pairing pyramid cards over drawing from the stock pile to keep uncovering lower rows.
- Expose Both Sides: Clear cards evenly across the left and right sides to reveal as many hidden cards as possible.
- Plan Ahead for Blockers: Look for cards that are blocking matches early and clear them first.
FAQ
- How many times can I draw through the stock pile? In the easier version, as many times as you like. In the harder version, you are limited to 3 passes through the deck.
- Can I pair two cards that are both in the pyramid? Yes — any two unblocked pyramid cards that add up to 13 can be paired and removed together.