Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire presents a fresh take on the classic card puzzle, where the entire tableau is shaped like an ancient Egyptian monument. Instead of building sequences, your sole mission is to dismantle the structure layer by layer, removing every card from the board. The challenge lies in the numbers: each pair you remove must add up to 13, with face cards carrying special values and kings standing alone. It's a game that rewards foresight as much as luck, pushing you to plan several moves ahead while managing the reserve pile wisely. What sets this version apart is its clean presentation and responsive controls, letting you focus purely on strategy. The cards in the pyramid are arranged in a typical triangular layout, and only those not covered by another card can be selected. As you work through the layers, the remaining deck offers a lifeline, giving you access to extra cards when no pairs are visible. Whether you're a seasoned card enthusiast or new to solitaire variants, this game offers a satisfying mental workout that grows more intense with each board you tackle.

WaffleMath

Pyramid 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 3.NBT.A.2Add and subtract within 1000 4.MD.C.7Angle arithmetic

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3rd Grade · 4th Grade · 5th Grade

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What is Pyramid Solitaire

Step into the sands of a timeless card challenge. Pyramid Solitaire asks you to clear a seven-row pyramid by pairing cards that total 13.

How to Play

Click on two exposed cards whose values sum to 13 to remove them from the pyramid. Click on the stock pile when you need more cards, and remove kings individually since they count as 13 on their own.

Tips for Playing

Always prioritize clearing lower layers first to expose hidden cards beneath.
Hold off on using the stock pile until you've exhausted all visible pairs, as it shuffles the odds.
Plan around the value distribution: queens need aces, jacks need twos, and so on.
Don't forget that kings are automatic removals, so take them as soon as they're free.
If you're stuck, redealing the stock can sometimes unlock new pair opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I run out of moves?

If no pairs are available and the stock is empty, the game ends. You can then restart or try a new deal.

How do face cards work in pairs?

Ace counts as 1, Jack as 11, Queen as 12, and King as 13. Kings are removed alone, while other face cards must be matched with the correct counterpart to reach 13.

Can I remove a card that is partially covered?

No, only cards that are completely uncovered—meaning no other card sits on top of them—can be selected for removal.

Is there a way to undo a move?

Most versions don't allow undo, so it's crucial to plan ahead. If you need to, you can restart the game.

What does the stock pile do?

The stock pile provides additional cards when you can't form a pair. Each draw gives you a new card that can be paired with exposed ones, but it doesn't affect the pyramid itself.

How do I win the game?

To win, you must remove every card from the pyramid, including all cards drawn from the stock, leaving the board completely empty.