How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

Solitaires Team

Pyramid Solitaire is a classic card game that's been a hit for many years. It is simple to learn how to play Pyramid Solitaire and you can enjoy it solo, making it a great way to pass the time. The object of the game is to remove pairs of cards that add up to a total of 13 from a pyramid arrangement of 28 cards. There are different versions of Pyramid Solitaire, but they all share a similar set of rules. Let’s dive into the Pyramid Solitaire rules in detail.

The Layout of Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire, just like classic Solitaire, uses a standard 52-card deck, where 28 cards are arranged in a pyramid formation and the remaining cards make up the stockpile. There are several key areas or layouts that are essential to gameplay. Each has a specific role, essential to understanding how to play Pyramid Solitaire.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules: Layout
  • Tableau: This is the main area of the game board consisting of 28 cards that form a pyramid.
  • Stockpile: It is a deck of remaining cards not initially used in the pyramid. Players draw from this pile when they need new options.
  • Waste Pile: Cards drawn from the stockpile that can't be paired immediately are placed face-up in the waste pile. The top card from the waste pile is available for pairing with the tableau cards.
  • Discard Pile: This is where paired cards are placed once they've been successfully matched and removed from the play.

These components form the Pyramid Solitaire's main areas.

The Objective

The goal of Pyramid Solitaire is to remove all the cards that form the pyramid. To remove cards from the pyramid, you need to pair up cards so that they add up to 13.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules

Playing Pyramid Solitaire involves a set of rules that guide you through the game's objective of clearing the pyramid of cards. 

Playable Cards

You can only remove cards that are fully exposed and accessible. Only the cards that are not overlapped by any others in the pyramid are available for play.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules: Step 1

Match Cards That Add Up to 13

To remove cards, you must find pairs that add up to 13. According to Pyramid Solitaire rules, the numbered cards are worth their face value and aces are valued at 1. Additionally, jacks are valued at 11, queens at 12, and kings at 13. For example, you can match an ace with a queen, or a 7 with a 6.

Ace = 1
Jack = 11
Queen = 12
King = 13

To make pairs, which in total give 13, you will need to make the following combinations of cards:

Queen + Ace = 13
Jack + 2 = 13
10 + 3 = 13
9 + 4 = 13
8 + 5 = 13
7 + 6 = 13

Kings have a value of 13, so they can be removed from the tableau by themselves without a paired card.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules: Step 2

Use the Stockpile and Waste Pile

If you cannot find any pairs on the tableau, draw a card from the stockpile. See if you can use it to create a pair with an accessible card from the tableau. If the stockpile card cannot be used, it is placed face up in the waste pile. You may draw cards from the stockpile until you draw a card you can play. Continue to place unused stockpile cards onto the waste pile. You can only use the top card from the waste pile for pairing with cards on the tableau. When the cards in the stockpile run out, you can simply reshuffle the waste pile and place the cards back to the stockpile to continue playing.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules: Step 3

As you can see, the goal of Pyramid Solitaire is very simple: stack all pairs of cards that add up to 13. Still, not every game is winnable. So, try playing Pyramid Solitaire right now to see if you can beat this game.

Pyramid Solitaire Strategies 

As you may have already realized, Pyramid Solitaire rules and gameplay are very simple, but that doesn't mean you can easily win. Here are some strategic tips that can help you improve your game and help you to beat Pyramid Solitaire:

Expose Hidden Cards

Focus on removing cards from the pyramid that cover others. This way you will quickly reveal more options and create more potential moves.

Use the Stockpile Wisely

Only draw from the stockpile when you're sure there are no further moves available in the pyramid.

Maximize Moves

Strive to see several potential combinations of cards on the tableau at once. Try to make pairs in such a way that it opens the possibility to match other pairs of cards, which were previously blocked.

Use the Undo Button

If you are playing digitally, don't be afraid to use the undo button. Go back and try a different strategy if you get stuck.

Conclusion

Pyramid Solitaire's goal of matching cards totaling 13 and clearing the board may seem simple, but the challenge of the game lies in the crucial initial setup of the cards. The rules of Pyramid Solitaire are straightforward, but the strategy can be challenging. This game is extremely addictive and can capture your attention for a long time. Now that you've learned how to play Pyramid Solitaire, why not put your knowledge to the test?


Solitaires Team

Solitaires Team

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