How to Play Pyramid Solitaire: Rules and Setup
In Pyramid Solitaire you deal 28 cards face up in a pyramid of seven rows and try to clear it by removing pairs of uncovered cards that add up to 13. Aces count 1, Jacks 11 and Queens 12, so the pairs are A+Q, 2+J, 3+10, 4+9, 5+8 and 6+7, and a King (13) is removed on its own. The other 24 cards form a stock you turn over one at a time for new partners. Clear all 28 pyramid cards to win.
The setup
Use one 52-card deck. Deal one card in the top row, two in the next, then three, and so on down to seven in the bottom row: 28 cards in all, all face up. Each row overlaps the one above it, so every card is half covered by the two cards below it. Put the remaining 24 cards face down as the stock.
Card values and the pairs that make 13
| Card | Value | Pairs with |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | 1 | Queen |
| 2 | 2 | Jack |
| 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 4 | 9 |
| 5 | 5 | 8 |
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
| King | 13 | Removed on its own |
An easy way to remember it: the pair of any card is 13 minus its value. And a King needs nothing at all.
Which cards can you use?
A pyramid card is uncovered (free to play) when no card lies on top of it, meaning both cards below it in the next row have been removed. At the start, only the seven cards in the bottom row are uncovered. Each pair you remove may free a card or two above it.
The stock and the waste pile
When you need a new card, turn the top card of the stock face up onto the waste pile. The top card of the waste is always available: pair it with an uncovered pyramid card, or remove it alone if it's a King.
When the stock runs out, you may turn the waste pile over to make a new stock and go through it again. How many times depends on the rules: classic Pyramid often allows just one or two passes. On GameLake, Easy lets you go through as often as you like, Medium and the Daily allow two more passes, and Hard one more.
How to win
You win when all 28 pyramid cards are gone. Cards left in the stock or waste don't matter. If you run out of passes through the stock with pyramid cards still standing, the game is lost.
Plenty of random Pyramid deals can't be won at all, which is why the game has a reputation for being hard. Every deal on GameLake has been checked by a solver under its level's rules, so each one can be cleared with the right moves.
A first game, step by step
- Remove any Kings that are uncovered. They cost nothing.
- Look along the bottom row for pairs inside the pyramid: these are the most valuable moves.
- Turn a card from the stock. If it pairs with an uncovered card, take it; if not, keep turning.
- After each pair, check what it uncovered: a new card may pair with something already free.
- When the stock is empty, turn the waste over and go again, as long as your passes allow.
Ready for tactics? Our Pyramid Solitaire strategy guide covers which pair to take first and how to avoid locking yourself out. Or play Pyramid Solitaire now and press Teach me whenever you're stuck.
Frequently asked questions
What adds up to 13 in Pyramid Solitaire?
Ace + Queen, 2 + Jack, 3 + 10, 4 + 9, 5 + 8 and 6 + 7. A King is worth 13 on its own and is removed by itself.
How many cards are in the pyramid?
28, in seven rows from one card at the top to seven at the bottom. The other 24 cards are the stock.
Can you pair a card with one it covers?
No. Both cards must be uncovered at the same time, and a card is only uncovered when both cards below it have gone.
How many times can you go through the deck in Pyramid Solitaire?
It depends on the rules. Classic games allow one to three passes. On GameLake, Easy is unlimited, Medium and the Daily allow two more passes, and Hard one.
Is Pyramid Solitaire hard to win?
With random deals, most games can't be won. GameLake only deals games a solver has proved can be cleared, so every game is winnable.