How to Play TriPeaks Solitaire

TriPeaks (also called Three Peaks or Tri Towers) is an addictive solitaire variant where you clear three overlapping peaks of cards by building sequences. Created by Robert Hogue in 1989, it combines the accessibility of Golf Solitaire with a distinctive visual layout and a rewarding streak-based scoring system.

Objective

Clear all three peaks by removing cards that are one rank higher or lower than the current waste card. Build long streaks for bonus points and try to clear the entire tableau.

Setup

• Deal cards face-down and face-up in three overlapping peak formations (28 cards total in the tableau).
• The three peaks share a common base row of 10 face-up cards.
• Upper rows are face-down until uncovered by removing cards below them.
• The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.
• Flip one stock card to start the waste pile.
• Ranking wraps: K→A and A→K are valid plays.

Gameplay

• Click any exposed face-up card that is one rank higher or lower than the top waste card.
• Suit does not matter — only rank adjacency counts.
• When a face-down card has no cards overlapping it, it flips face-up and becomes available.
• If no tableau card can be played, draw from the stock to the waste pile.
• Continue until all peaks are cleared (you win!) or no moves remain.
• Removing a peak's top card earns a peak bonus.

Streak Scoring

TriPeaks rewards consecutive plays without drawing from the stock:

• First card removed: base points.
• Second consecutive card: base + 1 bonus.
• Third consecutive card: base + 2 bonus.
• The bonus increases with each card in the streak.
• Drawing from the stock resets your streak to zero.
• Clearing a peak during a streak can multiply the bonus.

Strategy Tips

• Maximize streaks — Look for the longest possible chain before drawing. Streaks are where the big points come from.
• Uncover face-down cards — Prioritize plays that reveal hidden cards, giving you more options.
• Work all three peaks — Don't tunnel-vision on one peak. Balance your clearing to keep options open.
• Plan your path — Before starting a streak, trace the sequence mentally to find the longest route.
• Save key cards — If two plays are possible, choose the one that leaves a connector for the next card in a chain.
• Clear peaks for bonuses — Removing the final card of a peak earns significant bonus points.
• Use wrapping — Remember that K→A and A→K connect, extending possible streaks.

Win Rate

TriPeaks is more winnable than many solitaire variants. With good play, approximately 90% of deals can be solved. The streak system means even partial clears can produce satisfying scores.

Play TriPeaks Solitaire Online

Our free online TriPeaks features beautiful peak animations, streak counters, and satisfying card removal effects that make clearing peaks a joy.

Play TriPeaks Solitaire Online for Free →