How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

Objective

Your goal is to clear all 28 cards from the pyramid by removing pairs that add up to 13. Aces count as 1, Jacks as 11, Queens as 12, and Kings as 13 — Kings are removed alone since they already equal 13. Win when the pyramid is empty.

Video Tutorial

How to play Pyramid — a Solitaire Tutorial

Game Setup

• The pyramid: Twenty-eight face-up cards arranged in seven rows — 1 card on top, then 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cards in each row below. A card is "exposed" only when both cards covering it from the row below have been removed.
• The stock pile: Twenty-four face-down cards in the lower-left. Tap to flip cards one at a time to the waste pile.
• The waste pile: Holds drawn stock cards face-up. The top waste card can be paired with any exposed pyramid card that brings the sum to 13.

Complete Rules

• Remove pairs of exposed cards that add up to 13. Card values: Ace = 1, 2-10 = face value, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13.
• Kings (value 13) are removed alone — just click or tap them.
• Valid pairs: Queen (12) + Ace (1), Jack (11) + 2, 10 + 3, 9 + 4, 8 + 5, 7 + 6.
• A pyramid card is "exposed" (playable) when neither of the two cards covering it in the row below remain.
• Draw cards from the stock to the waste pile. The top waste card can be paired with any exposed pyramid card.
• When the stock runs out, flip the waste pile over to recycle it (unlimited recycling).
• Win by removing all 28 pyramid cards.
• Cards in the bottom row (row 7) are always exposed from the start.
• Two waste/stock cards cannot be paired with each other — at least one card must be from the pyramid.
• The game is lost when no more valid pairings exist and the stock is exhausted.
• Removing a card from the pyramid may expose one or two new cards in the row above.
• You can pair the top waste card with an exposed pyramid card, or pair two exposed pyramid cards together.

Strategy Tips

• Always remove Kings immediately — they can only block other cards.
• Look for pairs using cards deep in the pyramid. Uncovering higher rows opens up more options.
• Pay attention to which cards are in the stock vs. the pyramid. If a card's only pairing partner is buried deep, plan accordingly.
• Sometimes it is better not to pair a waste card if it will be useful later for a different pairing.
• Focus on uncovering the top of the pyramid. If you cannot reach the apex card, you cannot win.
• Use stock recycling strategically. Each pass through the stock gives you another chance to find useful pairings.
• Look for chain reactions: removing one pair may expose cards that form another pair, then another.
• Count cards. If three of the four 7s are in the pyramid and one 6 is in the stock, that 6 is precious — do not waste it on the first available 7.
• When stuck, draw from the stock rather than making a pyramid pair that does not uncover useful cards.
• Prioritize removing cards that uncover two blocked cards above them rather than just one.

Advanced Strategy

• Map out the entire pyramid before making your first move. Identify which cards block the apex and plan a path to clear them.
• Track which pairing partners remain. If you need a 6 to remove a 7, and all four 6s are accounted for, that 7 must be paired differently or the game may be unwinnable.
• Use the waste pile as temporary storage. Sometimes drawing several stock cards before pairing lets you access better pairings later.
• In competitive play (daily challenges), speed matters less than clearing the full pyramid. Take your time to find the optimal removal order.
• Recognize unwinnable states early. If a critical card is permanently buried with no remaining partners available, the game cannot be won — start over.

Frequently Asked Questions