Pyramid Solitaire

A Different Kind of Challenge

I'd always known about Pyramid Solitaire but never really gave it much attention - I was too busy playing Klondike and FreeCell back in the day. While working on games for CardAndPuzzle.com, I finally took the time to learn it properly, and I was surprised by how different it felt from traditional solitaire games. Instead of building sequences or sorting suits, it's all about matching pairs that add up to 13 - a refreshing change of pace! Now I've created this version to share online, bringing that engaging experience to wherever you want to play - your laptop, phone, tablet, or desktop computer. It's completely free at CardAndPuzzle.com, with no downloads or signups needed. Whether you're like me and discovering Pyramid Solitaire for the first time, or you're already a fan, you'll find this mathematically satisfying game offers a welcome break from traditional solitaire variants.

The Setup

Pyramid Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck to create a unique playing field:

The Pyramid: 28 cards arranged in seven rows (1+2+3+4+5+6+7), with all cards facing up.
The Stock: Remaining cards placed face-down to form the draw pile.
The Waste: A place for cards drawn from the stock.
The Foundation: The completed card sets.

New to Pyramid or looking to improve? Read the complete Pyramid Solitaire Guide →

How to Play

The goal is to remove all cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that add up to 13:

Basic Rule: Remove pairs of cards that sum to 13. Kings (value 13) can be removed alone.
Card Values: Ace = 1, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13, number cards = face value.
Available Cards: You can only use cards that are completely exposed (no cards covering them).
Combining Cards: Match cards from the pyramid with each other or with the top waste card.

Scoring System

Your score comes from both card removals and speed:

Card Points

Number cards (Ace-10): Score their face value
Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points each

Time Bonus

Time bonus only awarded for clearing the entire pyramid
Full 325 point bonus is awarded for games completed in under 30 seconds or less.
For completion times between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, the bonus decreases linearly (from 325 points to 0).
No time bonus is awarded for games taking longer than 5 minutes.

Strategy Guide

Focus on clearing the bottom rows first to expose more cards above.
Look for Kings immediately - they can be removed without needing a pair.
When choosing between two possible pairs, remove the ones that expose more cards.
Pay attention to cards that could make multiple pairs - sometimes waiting to use them is better.

Why Play Pyramid Solitaire?

Quick Math Fun: Practice your addition skills while enjoying a card game.
Different Challenge: A unique take on solitaire that tests different skills.
Clear Goals: Easy to understand but challenging to master.

Ready to Take On the Pyramid?

If you're looking for a fresh take on solitaire that combines number skills with card game strategy, Pyramid Solitaire offers exactly that. Start playing now and see if you can clear all 28 cards from the pyramid!