How to play Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire is a one-player card game: remove uncovered cards that total 13. In Varaq’s version, clearing all 28 pyramid cards wins the deal.
How is the deal set up?
Deal 28 face-up cards in seven pyramid rows, from one card at the top to seven at the bottom. The other 24 cards form the face-down stock. No Jokers are used.
What are Varaq’s house rules?
Clear all 28 pyramid cards. Two uncovered cards totaling 13 make a pair; Kings clear alone. Ace = 1, Jack = 11, Queen = 12. A card is uncovered when both cards directly below it are gone. Pair the top waste with an uncovered pyramid card. Draw one at a time. Two redeals are allowed (three passes in total). Stock and waste need not be empty to win.
Which card pairs with this Five?
5 + 8 = 13. Suits and colours do not matter; both cards must be uncovered. The pair disappears.
Pair to thirteen
Which card pairs with this Five?
Uncovered
Uncovered
Uncovered
8♣. 5 + 8 = 13. Suits and colours do not matter; both cards must be uncovered. The pair disappears.
This King is uncovered. How do you clear it?
A King is worth 13, so it needs no partner. Tap it twice. Aces count 1, Jacks 11 and Queens 12.
The Queen still has cards below it. Which pair is legal now?
Remove the uncovered 5 and 8 first. A covered Queen cannot pair with an Ace, even when the total is 13. Both cards below it must be gone.
Can the waste Ace pair with the uncovered Queen?
Yes: Ace 1 + Queen 12 = 13. Only the top waste card is available. Draw from stock when you need another option.
The stock is empty after pass 2. What can you do?
Recycle once more for pass 3. Pyramid allows two redeals, not unlimited passes. Clear all 28 pyramid cards to win; unused stock may remain. If stuck, use Undo or restart.
How do taps, dragging and keyboard controls work?
Tap a card, then a destination or partner. Tap a selected card again to send it to a foundation or clear a King. Tab and Enter work too; Escape or the empty background cancels selection. Undo remembers the last 100 moves, including draws and redeals. Hints use visible cards and do not guarantee a solution. Random deals may be unwinnable.
On compact screens, Cards opens larger card choices. To practise, open the game and choose How to play from the menu for five interactive lessons.
Is it free, and do I need an account?
You can play free in your browser without an account. An internet connection is needed to send moves to the server.
Is every deal winnable?
No. Deals are random and may be unwinnable. Hints use visible cards and do not guarantee a solution; use Undo, restart the same deal, or start a new one.
Last updated: