How To Play Pyramid Solitaire: A Simple Guide

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Looking for a relaxing and fun solo card game? Try Pyramid Solitaire. It’s a simple game where your goal is to break down a pyramid made of cards. You do this by finding card pairs that add up to 13. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to pass time.

Let’s learn how to play, step-by-step, in the easiest way possible.

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What is Pyramid Solitaire?

Pyramid Solitaire is a single-player card game. The aim is to clear all the cards from the pyramid. You don’t always need to use all 52 cards in the deck your main focus is to remove every card from the pyramid structure.

You do this by making pairs of cards that total 13. That’s the key rule.

Card Values in Pyramid Solitaire

Each card has a point value:

• Ace = 1
• 2 to 10 = Same as the number
• Jack = 11
• Queen = 12
• King = 13

Kings are special. Since they’re worth 13 points alone, they can be removed by themselves without a pair.

How to Set Up the Game

1. Shuffle a 52-card deck well.
2. Make the pyramid by dealing:
   • 1 card in the first row
   • 2 cards in the second row (overlapping the top card)
   • 3 cards in the third row, and so on
   • Continue until you have 7 rows with 28 total cards in a pyramid shape
3. Place the rest of the cards face-down as your stockpile
4. Next to it, create a discard pile, which you’ll use during the game
5. You can flip the top card from the stockpile to start the game

Some versions use a “reserve row” (7 extra cards below the pyramid). But in most basic games, you won’t need it.

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How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

• The goal is to match two cards that add up to 13 points
• You can only use uncovered cards this means cards that are not blocked by others in the pyramid
• At the beginning, only the bottom row of the pyramid is available
• As you remove cards, you’ll unlock the ones above

You can also use the top card from your stockpile and the top card from your discard pile to make a pair.

Example: If you have a Queen (12) in the bottom row and a single Ace (1) in the stockpile, you can pair them and remove both.

Remove Kings right away since they don’t need a partner.

When Does the Game End?

The game ends when:

• You successfully remove all cards from the pyramid you win
• You run out of moves and cards, and some pyramid cards are still left you lose

Smart Tips to Win Pyramid Solitaire

To make your game better, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Always clear Kings first when you see them. It’s an easy way to open space.
2. Focus on pyramid cards more than stockpile cards. The game is won by clearing the pyramid, not the deck.
3. Think ahead before using a card from the stockpile see if it’s better to wait and use it with a future pyramid card.
4. Don’t rush moves. Try different combinations in your head before removing cards.
5. If you want more challenge, limit how many times you go through the stockpile.

Also Read: SiGMA Asia 2025: Future Of iGaming In Manila, And VIP Retreat In Boracy

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