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Pyramid Solitaire — Play Free and Online

Pyramid Solitaire

A Quick Guide

  • Tip 1

    Pyramid Solitaire is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.

  • Tip 2

    The objective is to move all the cards in the pyramid to the Discard pile.

  • Tip 3

    Cards in the pyramid are face-up and can only be removed if completely uncovered, with no other cards overlapping them.

  • Tip 4

    Pairs of cards with a combined value of 13 can be moved to the Discard pile.

  • Tip 5

    You can fill empty columns by moving a King there or a sequence starting with a King.Kings, which have a value of 13, can be discarded without being paired.

  • Tip 6

    If you can’t make pairs from the cards available in the pyramid, you can draw additional cards from the Stockpile.

Discover Pyramid Solitaire

Like most people, Klondike Solitaire was my introduction to the wide world of Solitaire. I was hooked from the moment I finished my first playthrough. Then, I dug into the more challenging variants like FreeCell and Spider Solitaire. But as time went on, I started getting bored with building foundation piles. That’s when I discovered Pyramid Solitaire, which had a new and refreshing take on the game.

Pyramid Solitaire is entirely different from most Solitaire games you’ve tried before. Instead of meticulously building foundation piles, the goal is to tear down the pyramid-shaped Tableau one or two cards at a time. Not only is it incredibly fun, but it’s also one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly Solitaire variants.

If you’re looking to change things up with Solitaire, check out Pyramid Solitaire and all its variants on our website!

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

Playing Pyramid Solitaire – The Layout

As you can probably guess from the name, Pyramid Solitaire’s layout is shaped like a pyramid. But there’s more to the game’s layout, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know to set up the game.

There are four areas in Pyramid Solitaire’s layout:

  • 1.The Tableau

    The main play area is a seven-row pyramid made of cards that are laid face up. The top row has a single card. The row underneath has two cards overlapping the first row. Each row has one more card than the previous one. Every card in the completed Tableau will be partially covered by two other cards, except for the cards at the base of the pyramid, which remain fully uncovered.

    The Tableau

  • 2.The Stockpile

    Once the pyramid is dealt out, the remaining cards are your Stockpile. Like traditional Solitaire, the cards in the Stockpile are kept face-down until you draw them.

    The Stockpile

  • 3.The Wastepile

    The Wastepile is next to the Stockpile. This is where you place the cards you draw from the Stockpile. The cards in the Wastepile are face-up, and you can only play the topmost card in the pile.

    The Wastepile

  • 4.Discard pile

    The Discard pile is where you place all the pairs you make and the Kings you uncover. To win, you have to move every card from the pyramid to the Discard pile. As the pyramid shrinks and your Discard pile grows, you get closer to victory!

    Discard pile

Pairing With Just One Click!

With just one click, you can pair two complementary cards and discard them both! No need to manually select both cards!

Pairing With Just One Click!

Move With Purpose

  • 1.Although it’s a straightforward single-player card game, Pyramid Solitaire can take some getting used to if you’ve only ever played traditional Solitaire. If you come to it expecting to build foundation piles, Pyramid Solitaire can throw you off-guard with its completely different gameplay. But don’t fret — we’ll break down how to play Pyramid Solitaire so you can start enjoying this great version of the classic you know and love.

    Although it’s a straightforward single-player card game, Pyramid Solitaire can take some getting used to if you’ve only ever played traditional Solitaire. If you come to it expecting to build foundation piles, Pyramid Solitaire can throw you off-guard with its completely different gameplay. But don’t fret — we’ll break down how to play Pyramid Solitaire so you can start enjoying this great version of the classic you know and love.

  • 2.Since the cards in the pyramid are face-up, the game is completely transparent. However, you can only access the cards that are fully uncovered. That means you can only work with the cards at the base of the pyramid when you start the game. But as soon as you discard a pair of cards, you will expose new cards and uncover opportunities to match them. Remember that Kings have a value of 13 and, as such, don’t need to be paired with another card. They can simply be discarded on their own.

    Since the cards in the pyramid are face-up, the game is completely transparent. However, you can only access the cards that are fully uncovered. That means you can only work with the cards at the base of the pyramid when you start the game. But as soon as you discard a pair of cards, you will expose new cards and uncover opportunities to match them. Remember that Kings have a value of 13 and, as such, don’t need to be paired with another card. They can simply be discarded on their own.

  • 3.As you make pairs and add them to your Discard pile, you’ll reach a point where no more pairs are available. When you do, draw a card from the Stockpile and flip it over into the Wastepile. Repeat this until you draw one that can be paired with a card in the Tableau.

    As you make pairs and add them to your Discard pile, you’ll reach a point where no more pairs are available. When you do, draw a card from the Stockpile and flip it over into the Wastepile. Repeat this until you draw one that can be paired with a card in the Tableau.

The Challenge

Keep making pairs without hitting a stalemate. If you run out of pairs and the pyramid still stands, that means defeat!

The Challenge

Light-Bulb Tip!

Our convenient UNDO button allows you to test new strategies, revisit previous moves, and refine your gameplay. If you hit a roadblock, the HINT button is there to offer guidance and keep the game moving forward.

Simple Keyboard Shortcuts

While most digital Solitaire games are built for mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen, our site ensures you won't miss a beat if your mouse stops working. Play seamlessly using our convenient keyboard shortcuts — available on 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 to Master

Even though Pyramid Solitaire is considered an easier Solitaire variant, that doesn’t mean it’s 100% winnable. If you play too carelessly, you can still end up losing. So here are some strategies to keep your winning streak going!

Winning Tips and Quirky Tricks

  • Discard All Kings First

    In a game like Pyramid Solitaire, making instant progress gives you a good head start and a confidence boost that will help you throughout the game. Start by removing as many Kings as you can, not only from the Tableau but also from the Stockpile.

    You can even cycle through the entire Stockpile at the start of your game and discard all the Kings you find. It’ll be like starting the game with a stacked Discard pile, which will make you feel like you’ve already made some good progress.

  • Plan Ahead — But Not Too Much

    Since all the cards in the pyramid are face up, you know which cards will become accessible as you make your moves. This allows you to plan ahead and eliminate pairs strategically.

    I personally like to scan the cards in the second row. This allows me to think a few moves ahead and avoid potential dead ends.

  • Patience Is Key

    There’s a reason Solitaire used to be called Patience. Taking your time and being deliberate is the key to winning.

    If you’re new to Solitaire, tread carefully when working through your pyramid. If you’re laser-focused on eliminating the first pairs you see, you’re more likely to get stuck and lose. The game isn’t that hard when you’re not being hasty with every move.

  • Fun Fact!

    Pyramid Solitaire is a single-player game, but it can also be played as a cooperative or competitive game with multiple players taking turns.

  • Did you know?

    Pyramid Solitaire is sometimes called "Solitaire 13" because the goal is to pair cards that add up to 13.

  • 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.

Enjoy the game!

Most of all, enjoy every round of Pyramid Solitaire you play. After all, that’s why you’re playing the game in the first place: to give your brain a well-deserved break. Instead of sifting through columns of cards, building foundation piles, and wondering what cards are lying face down in front of you, Pyramid Solitaire lets you unwind with some breezy and straightforward gameplay.

More Power to You!

We understand that playing Solitaire is not 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 play experience drive our purpose. Let’s win together!

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