varaq
Learn Pyramid Solitaire, step by step
Varaq teaches Pyramid Solitaire at a real table, one idea at a time. Each step sets up a hand, asks you to make one move, and shows you why it works; Show me plays it for you if you get stuck. The main stages end in a checkpoint, and a strategy stage is offered once you know the rules. The lessons are free, need no account, and run in English and Persian.
Stage 1: First moves
4 steps, then a checkpoint.
- Free cards: A card is free when no card lies on it. Covered cards are dimmed and can’t be played yet.
- Pair to thirteen: Number cards count their number. Two free cards totalling 13 leave the pyramid together.
- Ace, Jack and Queen: Aces count 1, Jacks 11 and Queens 12; number cards count their number.
- Kings clear alone: Values: Ace 1, number cards their number, Jack 11, Queen 12, King 13.
- Checkpoint: Kings and pairs: The King is 13 alone; Four and Nine make 13 together.
Stage 2: The rules
5 steps, then a checkpoint.
- Uncover a covered card: A card stays covered while any card lies on it. Clear those first.
- Both covering cards matter: Removing one covering card is not enough. A card is free only when both cards on it are gone.
- Pair with the card on top: In the Relaxed and Standard variations, a covered card may pair with the one card still lying on it. Classic and Three passes wait until both are gone.
- Use the top waste card: Each draw puts one card on the waste. Only its top card is available.
- Limited recycling: Standard and Three passes give two redeals: three passes in total. Relaxed recycles without limit; Classic allows one pass. Remove all 28 pyramid cards to win; stock cards may remain.
- Checkpoint: uncover and use the waste: Six and Seven uncover the Jack. Jack 11 needs a Two, and the waste has one.
Stage 3: Winning
1 step, then a checkpoint.
- Win the deal: You win once all 28 pyramid cards are cleared, even with cards left in the stock.
- Checkpoint: clear the pyramid: Clear the King, pair Five with the waste Eight, then draw an Ace for the Queen.
Stage 4: Get better
4 steps, then a checkpoint. Offered once the earlier stages are done; it never blocks finishing.
- Free the most cards: When two pairs compete for one card, take the pair whose cards lie on the most others. Freed cards give you more pairs.
- Save a waste card: Before pairing the top waste card, check whether a covered card needs it more. Clear what lies on that card first, then pair them.
- Plan around the Kings: A King needs no partner, so clearing what lies on a King frees it at once. Count a covered King as nearly free.
- Turn the waste over last: Turn the waste over only when no pair uses the top waste card. The last pass shows each card once, in order.
- Checkpoint: Use the waste card first: When a waste card and a free pyramid card both fit a pair, use the waste card. The pyramid card stays free; the waste card gets buried by your next draw.
Last updated: