Tripeaks Solitaire - Card Game Rules & Strategy

Ever wondered why TriPeaks captivates millions of players worldwide? The card game, created in 1989 by Robert Hogue, transforms a single deck into hours of strategic entertainment. Hogue also performed computer statistical analysis of the game.

In solitaire tripeaks card games, over 90% of deals are completely solvable! The beautifully balanced scoring system ensures your strategic decisions pay off, with stock card costs offset by thoughtfully planned streaks.

TriPeaks is also known as Three Peaks, Tri Towers, or Triple Peaks. It is similar to card games Golf and Black Hole solitaire, only with more entertainment. Beginners can learn the basics in minutes. But mastering those three pyramid peaks might become the most satisfying challenge yet.

How to Play Tripeaks Solitaire

The name TriPeaks comes from the shape of the tableau cards, which are placed to create three pyramids of overlapping cards. Accordingly, the variant's gameplay mechanics differ.

Objective

Remove all cards from the tableau by matching them with the current waste pile card. Matches can be made with cards one rank higher or lower than the waste pile card, regardless of suit or color.

TriPeaks Solitaire Setup

TriPeaks Solitaire card game is played with the standard 52 deck. It has three core piles: the tableau, stockpile, and waste pile.

The tableau consists of 28 cards arranged into three overlapping peaks. The top three rows of each peak are placed face down in a triangular formation, partially covering the row below. The fourth row forms a continuous base of 10 face-up cards across all three peaks. These face-up cards are the only ones available for play initially.

The stockpile consists of the remaining 24 cards, placed face down below the tableau. Players draw from the stockpile one card at a time. There’s no reshuffling. Once the deck is exhausted, no new cards can be drawn.

The waste pile begins with the first card flipped from the stockpile. Players remove tableau cards that are one rank higher or lower than the top waste pile card, regardless of suit. Each valid move updates the waste pile with the newly played card. When no further matches are possible, the next card from the stockpile is drawn.

Gameplay

The game begins by turning over the top card from the stockpile and placing it face up to start the waste pile. The card acts as the initial reference point for clearing the tableau.

Your task is to remove face-up cards from the tableau that are exactly one rank higher or lower than the current waste pile card. Suits and colors do not matter.

For example, if the waste pile shows a 7, you can remove either a 6 or an 8 from the tableau, provided it is face up and exposed.

Each time you make a valid move, the selected tableau card replaces the top card on the waste pile and becomes the new active card.

The gameplay rewards creating continuous numerical sequences that flow up and down as long as valid moves are available. When no playable cards remain on the tableau, the sequence stops. Draw a new card from the stockpile to reset the sequence and try again.

Tripeaks solitaire game ends in a win if all tableau cards are cleared, with the last card sent to the stockpile. If the stockpile is exhausted and no more valid moves exist even before clearing the tableau, it ends in a loss.

Winning

You win the game by clearing all the cards from the three Peaks and moving them to the Waste pile. The number of cards remaining in the Stock at the end doesn't affect the outcome.

Losing

You lose the game when there are no playable cards left in the Peaks and the Stock is empty. Online versions will alert you when it happens. You may also use the Undo button to backtrack and explore other possible moves.

Scoring

Specific scoring rules differ among different versions. Usually, it depends on how many cards remain at the end. But the game can track how many moves you take, with fewer moves being better.

Tripeaks Solitaire Rules

• Only exposed cards are available for play in the Tripeaks Solitaire card game.
• You can only match tableau cards that are one rank higher or lower than the top waste pile card, regardless of suit.
• When you match a tableau card, it becomes the new top card of the waste pile.
• If no matches are possible, draw a new card from the stockpile to create a new waste pile card.
• You can only go through the stockpile once during the game.
• In the Tripeaks Solitaire game, you cannot build sequences or move cards between columns.
• Empty spaces in the tableau cannot be filled with other cards.
• Cards in the bottom row begin face-up, while all other cards start face-down.
• Face-down cards turn face-up automatically when all cards covering them are removed.
• Wild cards may be included to make the game easier.

Strategies to Win Tripeaks Solitaire

• Work Horizontally, Not Vertically: Clear cards row by row instead of pyramid by pyramid. You reveal more cards faster and create better sequencing opportunities. Working horizontally keeps more options available as you progress.
• Prioritize Revealing Hidden Cards: Select the one that will uncover a face-down card when choosing between multiple playable cards. Each newly revealed card creates additional possibilities. Reveal as many cards as possible to avoid drawing from the stockpile.
• Build Extended Sequences: Create long sequences by moving both up and down in rank. You can switch directions at any time—a 7 can be paired with either 6 or 8. Longer sequences clear more cards without using the stockpile.
• Track Used Cards: Since the game Solitaire Tripeaks uses a standard 52-card deck, keeping mental notes of discarded cards helps predict what remains. If all four 5s have been played, you'll need a 7 to remove a 6 from the tableau.
• Preserve Your Stockpile: Consider the stockpile as a last resort. Once you cycle through it, those cards are gone for good. Try exhausting all tableau options before drawing new cards, especially early in the game.
• Reassess After Each New Reveal: When a card becomes available, pause and reconsider your strategy. The newly revealed card might extend your planned sequence or offer a better move than your original plan.
• Balance Your Approach: Remove cards evenly across all three peaks rather than focusing on one area. It maximizes the number of face-up cards available.
• Look Before You Leap: Before making a move, check if it will block future plays. Sometimes, passing on an obvious match now creates better opportunities later. Always think a few moves ahead.

How difficult is Tripeaks Solitaire?

The game Solitaire Tripeaks is one of the most approachable among solitaire variants. Statistical analysis of 161,604 random games shows that 82,489 were won. It has a win rate of 51.04%. In other words, players win slightly more than half their games. So Tripeaks is more winnable than classic Klondike (32.91% win rate) and much more forgiving than Golf Solitaire (16.27% win rate). Beginners are at a more accessible level of solitaire.