Base Pyramid Solitaire

How to Play Base Pyramid — Quick Guide

Goal:
Clear all the cards from the board by making pairs that add up to 13.
Cards:
You can only remove cards that aren’t covered by others.
A = 1, J = 11, Q = 12. Example pairs: 5+8, J+2, Q+A. K = 13, so it’s removed automatically.

Setting Up the Game

Dealing Out the Tableau

Item 1
In Base Pyramid Solitaire, the Tableau consists of 28 cards arranged in a pyramid, with 7 more to create a base below the pyramid.
Item 2
First, deal out the pyramid. Start with a single card at the top row. Then, deal two more cards for the next row, with both cards partially overlapping the one above it. Add one more card to each row until you’ve dealt out 7 rows.
Item 3
Next, create the base by dealing out a row of 7 cards below the pyramid. These cards don’t cover or overlap the cards in the bottom row of the pyramid.
Item 4
All cards in the Tableau are dealt face-up.

Setting Up the Piles

Step 1
Stack all the remaining cards face-up to create your Stockpile.
Step 2
Leave a space next to your Stockpile to create a Wastepile.
Step 3
The Discard pile is off to the side.

Rules for Playing Base Pyramid Solitaire

How to Win

Your goal is to eliminate every card from the game, including the pyramid, the base, the Stockpile, and the Wastepile. You win when all 52 cards are in the Discard pile.

Eliminating Cards

You can only eliminate cards that have a combined value of 13. Kings can be eliminated alone. Other cards must be discarded in pairs.

You cannot eliminate 3 or more cards at a time, even if they have a combined value of 13. Only pairs and Kings can be discarded.

The cards that can be paired are:

Option 1
Ace and Queen
Option 2
2 and Jack
Option 3
3 and 10
Option 4
4 and 9
Option 5
5 and 8
Option 6
6 and 7

Remark

Suits don’t matter when playing Base Pyramid Solitaire — any pair of cards with a combined value of 13 can be discarded together.

You can only pair cards that are fully exposed. Partially covered cards cannot be played until the cards that overlap it have been discarded.

Drawing From the Stockpile

Rule 1
You can draw from the Stockpile at any point in the game.
Rule 2
When you draw a card from the Stockpile, move it to the top of the Wastepile.
Rule 3
You can only play the top card from the Stockpile or Wastepile.
Rule 4
You can only cycle through the Stockpile 3 times.

Other Rules

Rule 1
You cannot add cards back to the pyramid, base, Stockpile, or Wastepile once they have been discarded.
Rule 2
Cards in the Discard pile cannot be played or used to make pairs.

Playing Base Pyramid Solitaire – The Layout

1.The Pyramid
28 cards arranged face-up in 7 rows to form a pyramid.
2.The Base
Lay 7 cards face-up in a row under the pyramid.
3.The Stockpile
All remaining cards go face-up into the Stockpile.
4.The Wastepile
Drawing moves the top card from the Stockpile to the Wastepile.

The Gameplay

1.Eliminate Pairs and King
Find pairs that add up to 13 and send them to the Discard pile.
2.Topple the Pyramid
Chip away at the pyramid — one or two cards at a time.
3.Tear Down the Base
Use the cards in the base — you have to eliminate them all to win.
4.Clear the Wastepile
The game isn’t done just because the pyramid is gone — you must clear the Wastepile, too!

Strategies for Base Pyramid Solitaire

Base Pyramid Solitaire is a version of the classic game with an extra row of cards you can play. That might make it seem easier, but it still has its challenges - and you can paint yourself in a corner if you’re not careful!

There’s a slight element of luck to Base Pyramid Solitaire, but winning is all about strategy:

Focus on the Pyramid First
You’ll have to clear every card from play, but focus on discarding cards from the pyramid first - that’s where you’re most likely to get stuck.
Deal With the Base Last
Cards in the base are fully available for you throughout the entire game. There are no cards to uncover in the base and no way to lose access to them. So use the base when you can, but don’t rush to clear it.
Think Before You Draw
Your Stockpile only has 3 cycles, and you’ll probably need to use them all. Draw too quickly and you risk losing.

Similar Games to Base Pyramid Solitaire

Looking for even more ways to have fun? Check out these great options:

Game 1
Pyramid Solitaire — The classic version of the game!
Game 2
Pyramid Solitaire (Apophis) — Pyramid Solitaire with three Wastepiles!
Game 3
Pyramid Solitaire (Triangle) — Solitaire with an inverted pyramid - and an extremely high level of difficulty!

More Power to You!

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