Pyramid Solitaire - Play Free Online Card Game

The Pyramid Solitaire Card game is another variant of the Solitaire games, where you must clear the tableaus by pairing up face-up or other exposed cards that sum to a total of 13. It is a unique combination and twist of the Klondike Solitaire game.

This game is a one-person game, and the basic rules and strategies are very simple to learn and adapt. This page will help you learn how to play the Pyramid Solitaire card game and provide strategies to win in the game. 

Rules of Pyramid Solitaire Card Games

Let us get familiar with the Pyramid Solitaire game rules below. 

• You can remove pairs by pairing them to get a sum of 13 points. However, you do not need to pair the King card with any other card, as it already has 13 points.
• Make sure that you only remove cards that are not overlapped by cards in the row placed below.
• Both cards must be exposed to be picked and paired.
• You can only use the face-up card in the waste pile. To make a waste pile, you can turn over the top card of the stockpile.
• The face-up card in the waste pile can be played as an exposed card.
• You only have to use the stockpile three times, and when all stockpile cards have been placed in the waste pile, you can click on the waste pile and make cards flip into the stockpile again.
• Any cards kept in the foundation pile cannot be played again in the game. Once you make the 13 card pairs, the cards are removed from the play.
• Unlike other Solitaire variants, such as Klondike, the gaps left after the cards are removed cannot be used to store other cards. You have to play the pyramid as it is. 
   

How to Play Pyramid Solitaire Card Games

The gameplay of the Pyramid card game is very simple and easy to understand. Let us learn how to play Pyramid Solitaire game below.

Objective

The Objective in the Pyramid Solitaire Card games is to remove all the face-up or exposed cards by making pairs of cards that add up to 13 in value. You must clear all cards from the pyramid by matching pairs of cards that add up to a sum of 13 points. 

How to set up Pyramid Solitaire Game?

You need to keep certain materials and arrange cards to set up Pyramid Solitaire. 

• You will need a standard 52-card deck with no Jokers.
• Keep a flat surface, such as a table.
• Shuffle all 52 cards to ensure they are in a random order.
• Deal 28 cards face up in a pyramid structure with 7 rows.
• In row 1, you place one card; in row 2, you place 2 overlapping cards; in the first row; and similarly, you move to seven rows, putting seven cards at the bottom.
• Each card in the row partially covers the two cards from the row above.
• Remember, you can only play the cards that are completely uncovered.
• Now, set the remaining 24 cards in a face-down stack next to the pyramid. This is known as the stock or draw pile.
• You will need these cards to make pyramid pairs and increase your points.
• Make sure you leave a spot next to the stockpile for the waste pile.
• You can also leave space for the pairs that you have successfully removed from the game.

Play Area in the Pyramid Patience Card game

• In the Pyramid Solitaire game, you get 28 cards arranged in a pyramid shape on the board.
• You will get 7 rows in which 1 card is on the top row, 2 on the second, and so on, till 7 cards on the bottom.
• All cards are dealt face up in the game.
• The uncovered cards with no cards on top can be played in the game.
• The remaining cards that were not used in the pyramid are kept in the stock or draw pile.
• You can draw cards from the stock piles or draw piles to make pairs in the game. 

Moves Available in Pyramid Card Game

• When you make a move in the Pyramid solitaire card games and draw from the stock, the card is placed face up in the waste pile.
• You can only use the top card of the waste pile to pair with your cards, which can total 13 values.
• Kings in Pyramid Solitaire are worth 13 points and can be removed individually in the game without needing to form pairs.
• You only have to pair two cards that sum up to 13, but make sure both cards are uncovered pyramid cards.
• Also, you can use an uncovered pyramid card and a top card from the waste pile.
• Flip the top card from the stock into the waste pile during the game.
• If no more moves are available and the stock is also empty, the game ends.

Now, as you know all the moves and the play area in the Pyramid Solitaire game, you can move towards understanding the gameplay. 

Gameplay

• After you complete the setup, you have to start pairing cards that add up to 13. For example, you can pair a Jack card with 2 numbered cards.
• You do not need to pair King as this card is an exception and already contains 13 values.
• You can match cards in the tableau, stockpile, or waste pile only when they are exposed or uncovered.
• Initially, you will use cards from the bottom and face-up cards in the waste pile to form pairs.
• You can flip a card from the stockpile to the waste pile when you have no more options available. When you keep a card in the stockpile, you get another option in the top waste pile to make pairs.
• You can go through the stockpile only on time. If you have flipped all stockpile cards in the waste pile and there are still cards in the tableau, then you lose the game.
• To win the game of Pyramid Solitaire, you must remove all cards from the tableau, stockpile, and waste pile to the foundation pile.

Matching cards

You have to get rid of all the cards from the tableau, stockpile, and waste pile in order to win the game. The main goal is to create a pair of cards with a value that adds up to 13 points. You only have to use the exposed or open cards in the game. 

Players cannot use overlapping or face-down cards to make pairs in the game. All number cards in the game have their original face value. While the King got 13 points in itself and hence does not need to be added in a pair.

From the above cards, you can match cards and remove them from the gaming arena. Suppose you have Jack as an uncovered card from the Pyramid, and you take 2 from the stockpile, which brings the total value to 13 and can be removed from the game arena. 

Suppose you got Queen as your uncovered card, then you can match it with Ace from the stockpile, which makes the card value 13 points.

Strategy to Win Pyramid Solitaire Card Games

The Pyramid Solitaire strategies are easy enough to learn and apply in the game. You can try these tips when you are stuck in the game or to increase your chances of winning. 

• If you get an uncovered king in the game, play it immediately. You do not need to pair this card with any other card.
• It is advised to use a stockpile only when absolutely necessary, as you do not want to flip cards unnecessarily in the Pyramid Solitaire game.
• It is also known as the Pyramid Patience card game because you must use a waste pile and a tableau, unless you are stuck in the game. You only get three chances to flip cards from the stockpile.
• Your main goal must be to clear the tableau; hence, if you get a chance to pair up two tableau cards, you can go ahead.
• Take chances with pairs that can uncover major cards in the game. Hence, you save your cards from getting buried, which makes it tough to clear at the later stages in the game.
• The tableau cards must be removed as early as possible, but prioritizing opening up more cards is also important. Do not get into a situation where you have multiple cards left in the pyramid, but you can play only one of them.
• Prioritize uncovering hidden cards early in the game to free up covered cards as soon as possible.
• Low-point cards, such as Aces, 2s, and 3s, are difficult to pair, and therefore, they must be removed as soon as they can be paired. These cards have a higher probability of getting stuck in the later part of the game.
• Before removing a pair of cards, ensure that your progress aligns with your goal of clearing the pyramid.
• The more you practice, the better moves you can make in the game and win.
• Your ultimate goal is to remove all cards from the pyramid or tableau by forming pairs that total to 13.
• Remember, the main goal is to clear the pyramid and not just the stockpile. 

Benefits of Playing the Pyramid Solitaire Card Game

1. Improves Memory and Concentration

Pyramid Solitaire games can help you improve your memory as well as concentration. You must keep track of the uncovered cards, remaining cards, and remember the card values. You have to plan your moves ahead, which trains your brain to stay sharp and alert. 

2. Reduces Stress

The Pyramid Solitaire card games help you reduce stress and can have a soothing effect on your mind.  You can use this game to refresh your mind after a tiring, long day. Reset your mind by implementing proven strategies and gameplay to win the game of Pyramid Solitaire.

3. Great for Quick Mental Breaks

When you are exhausted from a long day at work, you can use this game to relax your mind and get involved in something you love. This will help you reset your mind and provide a quick mental break to switch your focus and relax between work sessions and breaks.

4. Boosts Problem-Solving Skills

Your moves will take you to the winning stage in this Pyramid Solitaire game. Hence, you will need to make moves that will help you clear all cards in the pyramid and help you win. This is one of the best ways to enhance your problem-solving skills when faced with limited options.

5. Suitable for All Ages

The game of Pyramid Solitaire is suitable for all ages as it is easy to learn and is a family-friendly game. This game offers a great way to connect generations over a simple card game.