How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire is an engaging single-player card game where you dismantle a pyramid of cards by pairing them to sum to 13. Unlike Klondike which relies on sequencing, Pyramid is a pure arithmetic puzzle that rewards careful scanning and strategic planning. It's one of the most visually distinctive solitaire variants.

Objective

Remove all cards from the pyramid by pairing exposed cards whose values add up to exactly 13. Kings (worth 13) are removed alone.

Setup

• Deal 28 cards face-up in a pyramid shape: 1 card in row 1, 2 in row 2, up to 7 in row 7.
• Each card partially overlaps the two cards below it.
• The remaining 24 cards form the stock (draw pile).
• A waste pile collects unplayable stock cards.
• Card values: Aces = 1, Jacks = 11, Queens = 12, Kings = 13, number cards = face value.

Gameplay

• A card is "exposed" when no cards overlap it (the bottom row starts fully exposed).
• Pair two exposed cards that sum to 13 — both are removed from the pyramid.
• Kings (value 13) are removed individually with a single click.
• Draw cards from the stock one at a time to the waste pile. The top waste card is available for pairing.
• The top two waste cards are available: pair them with each other, or either one with any exposed pyramid card.
• When the stock is exhausted, you may turn the waste back into a new stock twice (3 passes in total). The counter beside the stock shows how many passes are left.

Valid Pairs (Sum to 13)

• Ace (1) + Queen (12)
• 2 + Jack (11)
• 3 + 10
• 4 + 9
• 5 + 8
• 6 + 7
• King (13) — removed alone

Winning

You win by clearing all 28 cards from the pyramid. Cards left in the stock or waste do not block the win (this is Relaxed Pyramid). If no more valid pairs exist and the stock is exhausted, the game is lost. Not all deals are winnable — roughly 1 in 50 Pyramid games can be solved with perfect play.

Strategy Tips

• Start from the top down mentally — Consider which cards need to be exposed to reach the upper rows.
• Remove Kings immediately — They block two cards below them and can only be removed alone.
• Uncover evenly — Don't focus on clearing one side. Balanced removal opens more options.
• Plan stock usage — Before drawing from the stock, check if any pyramid pairs exist first.
• Watch for blockages — If two cards that pair together overlap the same card, you can only use one. Plan which.
• Count remaining cards — Track which values are still available to know if a match is still possible.

Play Pyramid Solitaire Online

Our free online Pyramid Solitaire features a beautiful pyramid layout, one-click pairing, and automatic detection of available matches to keep the game flowing smoothly.

Play Pyramid Solitaire Online for Free →