3 Peaks Solitaire

3 Peaks Solitaire puts a clever spin on the classic card game. Instead of a single tableau, you're faced with three separate mounds of cards, each one stacking upward like a small mountain. Your mission is to dismantle all three peaks by moving cards to a single foundation pile, but you can only place a card there if it's one higher or one lower than the card currently on top. This simple rule creates a web of decisions: every move you make opens up new cards from the peaks, but it also changes what you can play next. The real challenge lies in managing all three peaks at once. You can switch between them freely, shifting your attention to wherever the most useful card appears. But be careful—if the foundation becomes blocked and no plays are possible, the game ends. A stock pile offers a lifeline, letting you flip through extra cards to keep the chain going. It's a compact, brain-teasing puzzle that rewards careful planning and a bit of luck, making each round a fresh test of your card-sequencing skills.

WaffleMath

3 Peaks Solitaire

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

MP3Argue with math MP1Make sense of problems MP5Use tools strategically MP7Use structure 4.NBT.B.6Divide with remainders 3.OA.A.2Understand division 3.G.A.1Categories of shapes

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3rd Grade · 4th Grade · 5th Grade

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What is 3 Peaks Solitaire

Get ready to clear three towering piles of cards in a race against the deck. 3 Peaks Solitaire blends strategy and quick thinking into a satisfying solo card puzzle.

How to Play

Click a card from any of the three peaks to move it to the foundation pile, but only if it is one rank higher or lower than the current foundation card. Use the stock pile when you run out of moves, and aim to clear all peaks to win.

Tips for Playing

Always scan all three peaks before making a move to spot the most beneficial card.
Try to uncover buried cards early to avoid getting stuck later.
Keep the foundation card in mind—sometimes it's better to skip a move that could lead to a dead end.
Use the stock pile wisely; flip through cards only when you have no other options.
Prioritize clearing peaks that are close to being finished to reduce clutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of 3 Peaks Solitaire?

The goal is to remove all cards from the three peaks by moving them to the foundation pile. You win when every peak is completely cleared.

How do I decide which card I can play?

You can play a card if it is exactly one rank higher or lower than the top card of the foundation pile. For example, if the foundation shows a 7, you can play a 6 or an 8.

What happens if I run out of moves?

If no cards from the peaks can be played, you can use the stock pile to flip through extra cards. If the stock runs out and still no moves exist, the game ends.

Can I move cards between peaks?

No, cards can only be moved from a peak to the foundation pile. You cannot rearrange cards between peaks.

Is there a scoring system?

Yes, you typically earn points for each card you play to the foundation, and bonuses for clearing peaks or completing the game with stock remaining.

Is 3 Peaks Solitaire a game of skill or luck?

It's a mix of both. The card arrangement is random, but your choices about which peak to draw from and when to use the stock pile heavily influence your success.