How To Play Pyramid Solitaire Easily And Win: Simple Rules And Strategy

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Pyramid Solitaire is a fun and relaxing card game for one player. The main goal is to remove all cards from the pyramid by making pairs that add up to 13. If you clear the entire pyramid, you win. It’s easy to learn, and with a little practice, anyone can enjoy it.

This guide explains the rules of Pyramid Solitaire in very simple English. We also add extra tips and creative ideas to help you enjoy the game more and improve your chances of winning.

What Is Pyramid Solitaire?

Pyramid Solitaire is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The game gets its name from the way the cards are placed on the table in the shape of a pyramid. Your goal is to remove all cards from the pyramid by matching two cards whose values add up to 13.

You don’t need to use every single card in the deck you just need to clear the pyramid to win the game.

Card Values in Pyramid Solitaire

Each card has a number value. Here’s how it works:

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

Since King is worth 13, it can be removed alone, without pairing it with another card. All other cards must be paired with another card to make 13.

Examples of pairs that equal 13:

• Queen (12) + Ace (1)
• Jack (11) + 2
• 10 + 3
• 9 + 4
• 8 + 5
• 7 + 6

How to Set Up Pyramid Solitaire

1. Shuffle your deck of 52 cards well.
2. Build the pyramid by dealing:
   • 1 card in the first row
   • 2 cards in the second row (overlapping the first)
   • 3 cards in the third row
   • Continue this until the 7th row, which will have 7 cards

In total, your pyramid will have 28 face-up cards.

1. The rest of the cards form the stockpile. Place them in a neat stack beside the pyramid.
2. Leave space for a discard pile, which will be used as you draw and play cards from the stockpile.

Optional: Some versions include a reserve row (7 extra cards below the pyramid), but in the basic version, we play without it.

How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

Now that everything is set up, here’s how to play:

• Look at the bottom row of the pyramid. Only uncovered cards can be used that means both cards on top of it must be removed before a card becomes available.
• Try to find two available cards that add up to 13.
• Remove those two cards and place them in the discard pile.
• If you see a King, remove it immediately it doesn’t need a pair.
• If no matches are in the pyramid, draw from the stockpile.
• Use the top card from the stockpile and try to match it with a pyramid card or the top of the discard pile.
• Continue drawing cards and removing pairs until:
  • The pyramid is empty (You win!)
  • You can’t make any more legal moves (Game over)

Winning the Game

You win when you successfully remove every card from the pyramid. You lose if you run out of possible moves and the pyramid is not fully cleared.

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