Play Pyramid Solitaire Free Online

Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire arranges 28 cards in a seven-row pyramid, with each card partially covering two cards in the row below. Remove cards by pairing them to sum 13: Ace(1)+Queen(12), 2+Jack(11), 3+10, 4+9, 5+8, 6+7, and Kings (13) are removed solo. Only fully exposed cards — those with no cards covering them — can be paired. Clear the entire pyramid to win.

How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

Layout

28 cards are dealt in a pyramid shape — 1 card at the top, 2 in the second row, up to 7 in the bottom row. Cards overlap the row below. The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.

Objective

Remove all cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that add up to 13.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Find two exposed cards (not covered by other cards) whose values sum to 13 and click them to remove the pair.
2. Card values: Ace = 1, 2–10 = face value, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13.
3. Kings equal 13 by themselves — click a King to remove it alone.
4. Valid pairs: A+Q, 2+J, 3+10, 4+9, 5+8, 6+7.
5. Click the stock pile to draw a card to the waste pile. Pair it with an exposed pyramid card or another waste card.
6. A card in the pyramid is "exposed" only when both cards covering it from the row below have been removed.
7. Win when every card in the pyramid has been removed.

Guides & Strategy

Read our in-depth guides to master the rules and improve your win rate.

Pyramid Variations

Why Play Pyramid Solitaire Online?

Pyramid Solitaire offers a refreshing change from traditional column-based solitaire. Instead of building sequences, you pair cards that sum to 13. The triangular layout creates a unique spatial puzzle that exercises your number sense and planning ability.

Game Features

• Pair Matching — Match exposed cards that sum to 13 for fast-paced gameplay
• Unlimited Undo — Try different pair combinations to clear more cards
• Auto-Remove Kings — Kings (value 13) are removed with a single tap
• Smart Hints — Highlights available pairs you might have overlooked
• Statistics Tracking — Track your pyramid clearance rate over time
• No Registration — Jump straight into matching without creating an account

Pyramid Tips and Strategies

Work from the bottom of the pyramid upward to expose maximum cards. Don't automatically pair every available match — sometimes preserving a card opens better pairing options later. Remove Kings immediately since they require no partner. Track which ranks remain in the stock to plan future pairs.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules

Scoring System

Pyramid Solitaire scores 10 points for each pair removed that sums to 13. Kings removed alone also earn 10 points. Clearing the entire pyramid earns a large completion bonus. The goal is to remove as many cards as possible before running out of moves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many Pyramid players focus only on visible pairs. Instead, plan which cards you need to uncover and in what order. Don't remove Kings immediately if they're protecting cards you need to pair later. Managing the stock pile wisely is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Pyramid Solitaire.

History of Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire, also known as Solitaire 13, has roots in 19th-century European card games. The distinctive triangular layout is thought to have been inspired by the Egyptian pyramids. The matching-to-13 mechanic sets it apart from traditional building-based solitaire games, making it popular among players who prefer arithmetic puzzles. Its visual appeal and moderate difficulty have made it a staple of every solitaire collection.

Cognitive Benefits of Pyramid

Pyramid Solitaire trains mental arithmetic and pattern scanning. Quickly identifying pairs that sum to 13 across the pyramid structure exercises numerical fluency and visual search skills. The time pressure of limited stock draws adds beneficial cognitive load.