Dark Pyramid Solitaire (Face Down)

How to Play Dark Pyramid (Face Down) — Quick Guide

Goal:
Clear all the cards — from both the pyramid and the deck — 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.
Stockpile and Waste Pile:
Click the deck to move a card to the waste pile.
You can pair the top card of the deck and the top card of the waste pile, either with each other or with uncovered cards in the pyramid.
You get 3 passes through the deck.

Check Out Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire is widely considered one of the easiest and most casual versions of Solitaire. That makes it an excellent choice for beginners and anyone looking to relax and unwind, but it can get a bit dull for more seasoned players.

If you like the concept of Pyramid Solitaire but are craving something more challenging and unpredictable, Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire is the game for you.

Dark Pyramid Solitaire follows many of the same rules as Pyramid Solitaire but amps up the difficulty by leaving most cards in the Tableau face-down. It’s a small change, but it means you’ll never know what cards are waiting for you as you make your way through the pyramid.

Even though it’s much harder to plan your future moves, the game is still winnable. So keep reading to learn how to play and win Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire!

Want a challenging twist on the game you know and love? Try out Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire on our website!

Are you ready to step into the nostalgic world of Pyramid?

Playing Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire – The Layout

If you’ve played Pyramid Solitaire, you’ll find many elements of Dark Pyramid Solitaire to be familiar. However, there are subtle differences that make them feel like two very different games.

There are four main areas in Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire’s layout:

1.The Tableau
The main play area is a pyramid made up of seven rows of cards. The top row has only a single card. The row beneath it has two cards that overlap the one above. Each row adds one more card than the previous one.

All cards in the Tableau are face-down, except the bottom row of the pyramid, where the cards are face-up.
2.The Stockpile
After the pyramid is laid out, the remaining cards are gathered to create the Stockpile. The cards in the Stockpile are face-up, allowing you to always see the top card no matter how many times you draw.
3.The Wastepile
Drawing the top card from the Stockpile places it face-up into the Wastepile. This gives you extra two cards to play with instead of just one.
4.Discard pile
When you eliminate cards from the Tableau, they go into the Discard pile. As the pyramid shrinks, your Discard pile gets bigger.

Pairing Has Never Been Easier!

Earlier digital versions of Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire required players to drag both cards to pair them up. On our site, you can do it with just two clicks!

Move With Purpose

1.Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire can be difficult to grapple with at first. But don’t worry, we’ll help you understand the game and develop a winning strategy. So keep reading to learn how to play Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire.
2.Since much of the Tableau consists of face-down cards, the game has an added layer of unpredictability. Hence, your priority should be to uncover as many face-down cards as possible, preferably along the same row to keep the Tableau from being too chaotic. To uncover a face-down card, you need to discard the two cards that overlap it, whether by pairing them up (if possible) or individually pairing them with other cards you have available. You can only play cards that are face-up, which makes sense since you’d have no way of making correct pairs with cards you can’t see!
3.When you can’t find any more pairs to send to the Discard pile, it’s time to turn to your Stockpile. Flip a card onto the Wastepile and see if you can pair it with any of the cards in the Tableau. Remember that in Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire, you can only cycle through the Stockpile three times. That’s part of what makes it so challenging!

The Challenge

Keep finding pairs without coming to a standstill — which isn’t easy when you can’t see most of the cards in the pyramid!

Tip!

Refine your strategy with our convenient UNDO button. Pressing it allows you to revisit previous moves, test out different tactics, and get a better feel for the game. If you get stuck, the HINT button will guide you through your next move and keep the game moving.

Simple Keyboard Shortcuts

While most digital Solitaire games are built for mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen, our site lets you play even if your mouse stops working. Play seamlessly with our convenient keyboard shortcuts — available for both Windows and Mac!

Windows

Undo:
Ctr
+
Z
or
Backspace
Hint:
H
Navigate:
Select:
Space
(once)
Move:
Space
in the new spot

Mac

Undo:
delete
or
Hint:
H
Navigate:
Select:
Space
(once)
Move:
Space
in the new spot

Strategies Are Crucial!

While sheer luck can help you win at Pyramid Solitaire, it doesn’t beat a good, solid strategy. Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire is a tougher version of the game and it can easily beat you if you’re not careful!

Winning Tips and Quirky Tricks

Don’t Cycle Through the Stockpile
In standard Pyramid Solitaire, you can cycle through the Stockpile to your heart’s content. In fact, many players will start the game by cycling through the entire Stockpile to eliminate all the Kings in it. That’s something you should strictly avoid when playing Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire. In this version of the game, you can only cycle through the Stockpile three times. After that, you’re left with only the cards in the Wastepile and the Tableau. To improve your chances of winning, only use the Stockpile when you need to and make every draw count.
Assess the Tableau Constantly
From the moment you start the game to the moment you discard the final pair, keep assessing the Tableau for any possible moves you could make. That way, you can use the Stockpile sparingly, making the most of the three cycles afforded to you.

In other words, only draw from the Stockpile when you’re certain you can’t make any more moves using the cards in the Tableau.
Patience Is Key
Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire is much more challenging than traditional Pyramid Solitaire. And when it comes to Solitaire, the harder the game, the more patience you’ll need to win.

Don’t sweat it if you lose your first game or two. This is typical when you’re still learning the ropes and figuring out how the game is played. Once you’ve played through a few times and adopted these key strategies, you’ll be able to secure back-to-back victories.

Fun Fact!
Pyramid Solitaire was originally known as "Tut's Tomb," inspired by the Tableau’s shape, which resembles an Egyptian pyramid.
Did you know?
The term "Solitaire" comes from the Latin word "Solitarius," meaning lonely or solitary, which reflects the game's single-player nature.
Fun Fact!
The phrase "laying your cards on the table" is believed to have originated from card games like Solitaire, where revealing a card can change your entire strategy.

Hard But Winnable!

Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire is one of the more challenging twists on Pyramid Solitaire. It’s also a great way to keep the game fresh and exciting. So, if you’re a die-hard Pyramid Solitaire fan but are starting to feel a bit bored with it, try Dark Pyramid (Face-Down) Solitaire and breathe some new life into your favorite game!

More Power to You!

We understand that playing Solitaire isn’t just about the game—it’s about the experience. Our platform is built to bring players to the heart of Solitaire. Your triumphs, challenges, and overall playing experience drive our purpose. Let’s win together!