Pyramid Solitaire: Master the Matching Pairs Game

What is Pyramid Solitaire?

Pyramid Solitaire is a unique solitaire variant that replaces traditional card sequencing with mathematical pairing. Instead of building suited sequences, you clear a pyramid-shaped tableau by removing pairs of cards that add up to 13. This simple yet engaging mechanic makes Pyramid Solitaire one of the most accessible solitaire games for newcomers.

The game uses a single standard 52-card deck, arranged into a 28-card pyramid with the remaining 24 cards forming the stock pile. Success requires a combination of strategic planning, mathematical thinking, and a bit of luck.

Setup & Game Layout

The Pyramid Tableau

Deal 28 face-up cards in a pyramid formation:

• Row 1 (Top): 1 card
• Row 2: 2 cards (overlapping the top card)
• Row 3: 3 cards
• Row 4: 4 cards
• Row 5: 5 cards
• Row 6: 6 cards
• Row 7 (Base): 7 cards (fully exposed)

Each row overlaps the cards above it, creating the classic pyramid shape. Only cards that aren't covered by any other cards are considered "exposed" and playable.

Pyramid Solitaire - Initial Setup

28 cards in 7 rows forming a pyramid • 24-card stock • Empty waste pile

Row 1

Row 2

Row 3

Row 4

Row 5

Row 6

Row 7 (Base) - All EXPOSED (red border)

Stock Pile

(24 cards)

Waste Pile

(Empty at start)

Empty

Pyramid Layout: 28 cards in pyramid (rows 1-7), 24 cards in stock, 0 in waste. Bottom row (7 cards) starts fully exposed (red outline). Each upper card overlaps two cards below it.

Other Game Areas

• Stock Pile: The remaining 24 cards, placed face-down
• Waste Pile: Where stock cards are flipped, one at a time
• Foundation/Discard: Where matched pairs are placed (removed from play)

Card Values

• King: 13 points (removed alone, no pair needed!)
• Queen: 12 points (pairs with Ace)
• Jack: 11 points (pairs with 2)
• 10: 10 points (pairs with 3)
• 9: 9 points (pairs with 4)
• 8: 8 points (pairs with 5)
• 7: 7 points (pairs with 6)
• 6 through Ace: Face value (6 down to 1)

Rules & How to Play

Objective

Clear all 28 cards from the pyramid by pairing exposed cards that add up to 13, before cycling through the stock pile too many times.

Basic Gameplay

1. Identify Exposed Cards: Only cards not overlapped by other cards can be played. At the start, all 7 cards in the bottom row are exposed.
2. Find Matching Pairs: Look for two exposed cards that add up to 13. Suits don't matter—only the rank counts. For example: Queen (12) + Ace (1), Jack (11) + 2, 10 + 3, 9 + 4, 8 + 5, 7 + 6.
3. Remove Kings Immediately: Kings are worth 13, so they can be removed by themselves without needing a pair.
4. Use the Stock Pile: If you can't make any pairs from the pyramid, flip one card from the stock to the waste pile. You can pair this waste pile card with any exposed pyramid card.
5. Cycle Through Stock: You can go through the stock pile up to three times (in most variants). After the third pass, if cards remain on the pyramid, you lose.

Understanding "Exposed" vs "Blocked" Cards

A card is EXPOSED if no other cards overlap it from above

BLOCKED

EXPOSED

EXPOSED

All base row cards are EXPOSED ✓

EXPOSED Cards (Green Border)

• No cards overlapping from above
• Can be removed if they pair to 13
• Bottom row is always exposed at start

BLOCKED Cards (Red Dashed)

• Covered by 1 or 2 cards above
• CANNOT be played yet
• Become exposed when covering cards are removed

Exposed vs Blocked Cards: Green-bordered cards are EXPOSED (no cards overlapping from above) and can be played. Red-dashed cards are BLOCKED (covered by cards above) and cannot be played yet. Removing covering cards exposes new cards beneath.

Valid Pairs

Pyramid Solitaire - Valid Pairs That Add to 13

Remove any two exposed cards that sum to 13, or Kings (13) alone

SPECIAL: Kings = 13

Remove Kings ALONE (no pair needed!)

+ = 13

Queen (12) + Ace (1)

+ = 13

Jack (11) + Two (2)

+ = 13

Ten (10) + Three (3)

+ = 13

Nine (9) + Four (4)

+ = 13

Eight (8) + Five (5)

+ = 13

Seven (7) + Six (6)

Strategy Tip: Suits don't matter - only ranks!

A red 9 can pair with a red 4, black 4, any 4. Focus on finding exposed pairs that add to 13.

Valid Pairing Chart: All card combinations that add to 13. Kings (13) are removed alone. Suits don't matter - a red 9 can pair with any 4 (red or black). Memorize these 7 pairs for faster gameplay!

Winning & Losing

You Win: When all 28 pyramid cards have been removed.

You Lose: If you cycle through the stock pile three times and still have pyramid cards remaining with no valid pairs to make.

Winning Strategies

1. Remove Kings Immediately

Since Kings don't need a pair and are worth exactly 13, remove them as soon as they're exposed. This frees up space and uncovers new cards without using any other resources.

Strategic Pyramid Removal - King Priority Example

Removing Kings immediately creates strategic value by exposing multiple new cards

BEFORE: King Blocking 2 Cards

Problem: King of Spades (K♠) blocks the 7♦ and Queen of Clubs (Q♣)

→

AFTER: 2 New Cards Exposed!

✓

Benefit: 7♦ and Q♣ are now EXPOSED! Can pair Q♣ + A♦ = 13 or 7♦ + 6♥ = 13

KEY STRATEGY: Remove Kings Immediately

Kings are worth exactly 13, so they can be removed by themselves (no pair needed). Removing an exposed King ALWAYS helps because:

1. It frees up space • 2. It exposes 1-2 new cards beneath it • 3. It costs nothing (no pairs consumed)

Always remove exposed Kings before making other pairs!

King Removal Strategy: Before - King of Spades blocks 7♦ and Q♣. After - Removing K♠ exposes both cards, enabling Q♣+A♦=13 or 7♦+6♥=13. Always remove exposed Kings first - they cost nothing and create opportunities!

2. Clear Row by Row

Focus on clearing complete rows from bottom to top when possible. This systematic approach ensures you don't accidentally block cards you'll need later. Working row by row gives you maximum flexibility and exposes new cards strategically.

3. Prioritize Pyramid Over Stock

Your primary goal is clearing the pyramid, not using the stock pile. Save stock cards for later moves when you've exhausted pyramid-only pairs. The stock is your backup resource—don't waste it early.

4. Look Ahead to Covered Cards

When choosing between multiple valid pairs, consider what cards will be uncovered. If removing one pair reveals important cards (like Kings or cards that complete other pairs), prioritize that move.

5. Don't Jump at the First Match

Just because you CAN make a pair doesn't mean you SHOULD. Evaluate whether that pair helps your overall strategy or if it might block better moves later.

6. Delay Stock/Waste Combinations

If the stock card can pair with a pyramid card, you don't have to make that pair immediately. Those cards will still be available later if they don't help clear critical pyramid positions now.

7. Watch for Buried Multiples

Remember that each rank has only four cards in the deck and only one matching rank to pair with it. If multiple cards of the same rank are buried deep in the pyramid, you risk running past their matches in the stock pile.

Expert Tips

Popular Variations

Relaxed Pyramid Solitaire

The most popular variation. You only need to clear the pyramid—cards can remain in the stock and waste piles. This makes the game significantly more winnable and less frustrating.

Giza Pyramid

Uses a larger pyramid (45 cards instead of 28), requiring two decks. More challenging with longer gameplay sessions.

Apophis (Triple Waste)

Similar to standard Pyramid, but you get three waste piles instead of one, making the game much easier and more forgiving.

Par Pyramid

Scoring variant where you earn points for each pair removed, with a "par score" goal to beat. Adds competitive element without changing core rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Play Pyramid Solitaire?

Now that you understand the rules and strategies, test your skills with our free online Pyramid Solitaire game!