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How to Set Up Pyramid Solitaire

Solitaire comes in many forms, and one of the most famous is a version which is known as Pyramid Solitaire. With this version, 28 cards are placed onto the tableau so that they resemble the shape of a pyramid. Your main objective here is to deconstruct the pyramid shape, which you do by pairing cards with a total value of 13, no matter what the suit may be. In this article, we will learn how to set up a Pyramid Solitaire with a standard deck of cards.

The Layout of Pyramid Solitaire

The Pyramid Solitaire setup is very simple and it will take quite a bit of time. But first, let's understand the main areas on the playing board that we need to allocate for laying out the cards.

• Tableau is central to the game and consists of 28 cards arranged in a pyramid. This is the space from where you need to remove cards by pairing them so that they add up to 13.
• The Stockpile сontains the leftover deck cards after setting up the tableau. These cards are drawn when no other moves are available, potentially offering new pairing opportunities.
• The Waste pile holds cards drawn from the stockpile that can be matched with tableau cards to create a pair giving a total of 13.
• A Discard pile is an area where paired cards are placed out of play.

Setting up the layout correctly is the first step to enjoying all types of Solitaire games. Here’s a breakdown of how to set up Pyramid Solitaire.

How to Deal Pyramid Solitaire

For Pyramid Solitaire setup, you need to shuffle the deck and take 28 cards from it; these cards will make up the tableau.

Step 1: Form the Pyramid

Lay out the cards in a pyramid shape. Start by placing one card face up at the top; this will be the apex of your pyramid. Below the first card, place two cards slightly overlapping the apex card.

Below these two cards, place three more cards. They should also be face up.

Continue this pattern, adding one more card to each row than the row above it, until you have created seven rows in total. The base of your pyramid should have seven cards.

Step 2: Set the Stockpile

After the pyramid is formed, the remaining cards in the deck form the stockpile. Place this pile face down next to your pyramid.

Step 3: Create the Waste Pile

Next to the stockpile, leave space for the waste pile. This area will hold the cards turned over from the stockpile that cannot be immediately played on the pyramid.

Step 4: Set the Discard Pile

In the upper right corner of the playing board, leave a space for a discard pile. Here you will stack pairs of cards from the tableau, which add up to 13.

This is how easy it is to set up a Pyramid Solitaire using a deck of cards! If you don't have a physical deck at hand, you can always try the online version of this game on our website.

Pyramid Solitaire Gameplay

Now that you know how to set up the Pyramid Solitaire, you can start playing. The rules of Pyramid Solitaire are very simple, so let's take a quick look at them, as well as learn the value of the cards to pair them correctly.

The Objective

The primary goal in Pyramid Solitaire is to remove all the cards from the pyramid by creating pairs of cards that add up to 13. The game is won when the pyramid is completely cleared.

Card Values

Understanding the card values is the first step to mastering the game. Cards from 2 to 10 have their own value; the values of the other cards are as follows:

= 1

= 11

= 12

= 13

Since to remove cards from the pyramid you have to make pairs that add up to 13, let's see what cards match each other. Kings can be removed without pairing since they are valued at 13.

+ = 13

+ = 13

+ = 13

+ = 13

+ = 13

+ = 13

Key Gameplay Points

• Look for Matches: Begin by searching for pairs of exposed cards that add up to 13. An exposed card is one that has no other cards overlapping it. Remember, Kings can be removed on their own.
• Use the Stockpile: If there are no immediate matches in the pyramid, draw a card from the stockpile. This card can potentially match any exposed card in the pyramid. If a match is not found, draw another card from the stock.
• Winning the Game: The game is won when all cards from the pyramid are successfully removed. However, not all games of Pyramid Solitaire are winnable. If there are no possible moves on the tableau, restart the game, applying different strategies depending on the initial pyramid layout.

Ready to Put Your Skills to the Test?

Now, with a deeper understanding of Pyramid Solitaire setup, why not experience the satisfaction and excitement of the game yourself? So, shuffle the deck, lay out your pyramid, and let the game begin. Each game is a unique puzzle where you can relax after a day's work, get entertained during a break, or exercise your observation and planning skills. Play Pyramid Solitaire today on Solitaires.