Pyramid Solitaire
Remove pairs adding to 13 from a pyramid layout.
Setup
Deal 28 cards in a 7-row pyramid, overlapping so only uncovered cards are playable. The rest form a stock.
How to Play
- Remove uncovered pairs totaling 13.
- Kings are removed alone.
- Draw from the stock when no pyramid move is available.
How to Win
Clear the whole pyramid.
Prioritize cards that uncover the most hidden cards.
Is Pyramid Solitaire Right for You?
Pyramid is a quick, satisfying solitaire where you clear a 28-card pyramid by pairing cards that add up to 13. Reach for it when you want a single-player game that is faster and more puzzle-like than Klondike.
Maybe skip it if: If you want a solitaire you can win with skill, Pyramid is mostly luck and the win rate is low.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Greedily removing the easy pairs early and burying the cards you needed underneath.
- Forgetting that a King is worth 13 and comes off alone without a partner.
Strategy Tips
- Plan several pairs ahead so you do not strand a card you need behind a still-blocked one.
- Use the stock pile deliberately; do not blow through it just to make one easy match.
- Prioritize uncovering the lower rows over clearing isolated top cards.
Popular Variations
Relaxed Pyramid
Allows re-dealing the stock once or twice, dramatically improving an otherwise grim win rate.
Giza
A more open variant that uses reserve fans instead of a stock, making far more deals winnable.
Our Take
We enjoy Pyramid as a brisk palate-cleanser, but we are honest that it is largely a game of the deal, not of decisions. Play it for the quick rhythm of matching, not for a fair fight you can grind out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pairs to 13 in Pyramid?
Ace+Queen, 2+Jack, 3+10, 4+9, 5+8, 6+7, and the King is removed by itself as it counts as 13.
Is Pyramid solitaire winnable?
Often not. Without redeals only a small fraction of standard deals can be cleared, even with perfect play.