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.
How Do You Play Pyramid Solitaire?
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.
New to Pyramid or looking to improve? Read the complete Pyramid Solitaire Guide →
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.
How Is Pyramid Solitaire Scored?
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.
What Are the Best Strategies for Pyramid Solitaire?
- 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!
Switch It Up
Between Pyramid deals, unwind with a jigsaw puzzle. Our animal puzzles are perfect for a relaxing change of pace, or challenge yourself with our hard jigsaw puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Pyramid Solitaire?
To play Pyramid Solitaire, remove pairs of cards that sum to 13. Kings (value 13) can be removed individually. You can only use cards that are completely exposed (not covered by other cards). Match cards from the pyramid with each other or with the top waste card. Card values are: Ace = 1, 2-10 = face value, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13.
What makes Pyramid Solitaire different from other solitaire games?
Pyramid Solitaire differs from traditional solitaire variants because it focuses on matching pairs that add up to 13 rather than building sequences or sorting by suit. The unique pyramid layout creates a different strategic challenge where you must carefully plan which pairs to remove first to expose more cards above. It also combines arithmetic skills with card game strategy.
How do you win Pyramid Solitaire?
To win Pyramid Solitaire, you need to remove all 28 cards from the pyramid by matching pairs that sum to 13 (or removing Kings individually). The game is over when you've either cleared the entire pyramid (victory) or can no longer make any valid moves with the remaining cards in the pyramid and stock pile.
What are the best strategies for Pyramid Solitaire?
Effective strategies include: focusing on clearing the bottom rows first to expose more cards above, removing Kings immediately since they don't need a pair, prioritizing moves that expose more cards when choosing between possible pairs, and being strategic about cards that could make multiple pairs—sometimes it's better to save them for later.
How is Pyramid Solitaire scored?
Scoring in Pyramid Solitaire includes card points and time bonus. Number cards (Ace-10) are worth their face value, while face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each. A time bonus of up to 325 points is awarded for clearing the entire pyramid in under 30 seconds, with diminishing returns for slower completion times and no bonus for games taking longer than 5 minutes.
Can I play Pyramid Solitaire on mobile devices?
Yes, Pyramid Solitaire on CardAndPuzzle.com is fully optimized for all devices. You can enjoy the same engaging gameplay on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with no downloads or registration required.
