Anubis Solitaire

How to Play Anubis — 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 deal 1 card into each of 3 separate waste piles.
You can use the top card from any waste pile to make a pair with another waste card or a card from the pyramid.
You get 2 passes through the deck.

Double Pyramid Solitaire With A Twist!

The term "Pyramid Solitaire" conjures up images of majestic pyramids rising from the golden sands of Egypt. So, when I discovered a variant of the game named after Anubis, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, I knew I had to give it a try. While it’s the name that intrigued me, what really surprised me was how deeply rewarding this version of Solitaire turned out to be.

Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) perfectly captures the allure of Double Pyramid Solitaire while adding its own twist to the game, with a feature most commonly found in its Klondike cousin: the Turn-Three Rule. Some players feel this makes for a quicker game, while others swear they have better luck with the standard Double Pyramid Solitaire. We like to leave it up to the players to decide for themselves.

Ready to try it out? Here’s a quick guide to help you learn the ropes and start playing in no time!

Ready to add a new layer of fun to your Double Pyramid Solitaire game? Anubis has got you covered!

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

Playing Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) – The Layout

While Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) has a very similar layout to Double Pyramid Solitaire, there are subtle differences that give this game its own unique flavor. In particular, the Wastepiles.

Understanding how it works is fairly simple. Like many Solitaire games, Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) has four key components.

1.The Tableau
In Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis), the Tableau consists of a pyramid with nine rows. The structure starts with a single card at the top, and each row beneath it adds one more card than the row above, with each card slightly overlapping the ones in the row above it.
2.The Stockpile
The cards that aren’t part of the Tableau are placed face down to create the Stockpile. You can draw three cards from the Stockpile to find matches for the cards in the Tableau or the Wastepiles. However, you can only cycle through the Stockpile twice - after that, you’ll need to rely on the cards in the Wastepiles, so you must make each draw count.
3.The Wastepile
The Wastepiles are located next to the Stockpile. Each of the three cards drawn from the Stockpile are placed in their respective Wastepile slots. When you draw from the Stockpile, any remaining cards in the Wastepiles get covered by the newly drawn cards and can only be played once the cards on top of them are removed.
4.Discard pile
The Discard pile is where all the pairs you form and the Kings you uncover are collected. To win the game, you need to move all the cards from the pyramid and the Stockpile into the Discard pile. Note that once cards are placed in the Discard pile, they cannot be moved back to the Tableau, Stockpile, or Wastepiles.

Enjoy Classic Pyramid Solitaire Fun With A Bit More Challenge!

Don’t be fooled by the three Wastepiles – Anubis offers as much challenge (and fun) as any version of Double Pyramid Solitaire!

Get Those 13-pair Combos and Topple the Pyramid!

1.Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) can be a tough nut to crack, especially if you’re not familiar with the other double-deck variants of Pyramid Solitaire. However, once you get a good handle on the basics and gain some experience, you’ll find yourself clearing those pyramids like a pro.
2.The objective of Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) is simple: clear all the cards from the pyramid, the Stockpile, and the Wastepiles. The pyramid is made up of 45 cards arranged in nine overlapping rows. To remove cards, you need to pair exposed cards that total 13. Kings are worth 13 points each and can be removed individually.
3.The Stockpile keeps your game flowing smoothly by providing a fresh supply of cards. In Anubis, you can draw three cards from the Stockpile at a time, giving you more options to choose from. However, this will also cover the unused cards in your Wastepiles. So, use the Stockpile strategically to avoid getting stuck down the line.

There are six possible pairs you can clear:

In this version of Solitaire, suits don’t matter. You can combine pairs regardless of their suits.

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

The Challenge

Strategically use the playable cards and the Stockpile to clear the pyramid, which has double the number of cards.

Tip!

If you get stuck, use the HINT button. It highlights which card you can move and where it should go, helping you clear the pyramid more quickly!

Simple Keyboard Shortcuts

Hotkeys can enhance your gaming experience. Try these handy keyboard shortcuts to improve your gameplay - 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

Add These Strategies To Your Toolkit!

Now that you know the game’s layout and rules, you’re ready to start playing. However, we suggest brushing up on a few strategies to help you master the game. Anubis is fun no matter how you play it, but it becomes much more enjoyable when you have tips and tricks that will help you play like an expert!

Winning Tips and Quirky Tricks

Look for Possible Combos at The Start of the Game
It’s always a good idea to have a plan before making your first move. Since all the cards are face up from the beginning, you can identify potential pairs right from the start.

A smart strategy is to select a random card and look for its matching pair in the same row, the row above, and the row below. That way, you can uncover the cards that will move the game along and help you progress more smoothly.
Don’t Be Hasty While Choosing Pairs
Imagine you draw an Ace from the Stockpile and spot a Queen you could pair it with. It’s tempting to make this move immediately, but it’s actually wiser to pause and first check the row beneath it for any other Queens. If that Queen doesn’t have any other Aces nearby to pair with, you might want to focus on the other pairs before making this match.

Don’t be too conservative in this approach, either. If it’s time to draw a new set of cards from the Stockpile, then it makes sense to go ahead with the original pairing.
Get Rid Of Kings As Soon As You Spot Them
Kings are worth 13 points, so they can be removed from the game without being paired with another card. Whenever you spot a King in the Tableau or a Wastepile, remove it right away. That might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people overlook Kings when they’re focused on finding pairs.

By keeping an eye out for Kings and removing them promptly, you’ll uncover new cards, expand your options, and advance through the game with much less hassle.
Use the REDO Button Frequently
Solitaire is a game that’s very sensitive to errors - even small ones. So, you must approach each move with sound logic and strategy.

Because of this, many players argue that a REDO button goes against the spirit of the game. We disagree. In fact, we encourage players to use it as often as they need. It’s easy to accidentally draw from the Stockpile or hastily remove a pair of cards before realizing that a better move is possible. The REDO button helps you correct these mistakes, speeds up your learning process, and improves your gameplay by allowing you to adjust your strategy on the spot.
Exercise Patience While Playing the Game
Rome wasn’t built in a day - and neither was Ancient Egypt. It’s the same with your win rate with Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis), so give yourself plenty of time to practice and improve your skills.

Always take the time to analyze the Tableau and devise strategies for removing pairs. It’s tempting to resort to brute force tactics to get through the game quickly, but that takes all the fun and challenge out of the game. Taking your time with each round will make the game much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Fun Fact!
The creator of the original Solitaire game for Microsoft Windows was just an intern! His name is Wes Cherry, and unfortunately, he never received any royalties for his work!
Did you know?
There are over 500 known Solitaire variations, with the most popular ones being Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell!
Fun Fact!
Cartomancy (using playing cards for divination) was very popular in 18th-century Europe. This means it’s quite possible that Solitaire was once used for fortune-telling!
Did you know?
Solitaire was initially known as ‘Patience’ due to the incredible amount of patience required to be good at it!
Fun Fact!
Solitaire games weren’t widely known before the inclusion of Klondike Solitaire in Microsoft Windows 3.0 in 1990!

We Believe In Your Solitaire Prowess!

Pyramid Solitaire (Anubis) perfectly embodies the creativity you’ll find in many variants of Solitaire. It builds on the familiar setup of other Pyramid Solitaire games but still makes it a unique experience.

Now you’re ready to start playing and master this fantastic version of Solitaire. But as always, the main goal is just to have fun!

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!