TriPeaks Solitaire Strategy: 7 Tips for Longer Runs
The best TriPeaks strategy is to turn over face-down cards first: when two cards fit the pile, take the one that uncovers a hidden card, because every new card is a new way to keep going. Before each move, look for the longest run you can see, keep all three peaks moving, and look ahead before you use the stock, saving cards that will bridge the next draw. Long runs and spare stock cards are also where the points are.
1. Uncover face-down cards first
In TriPeaks you can only plan with the cards you can see, and 18 of the 28 start face down. A play that turns a card over gives you new information and a new chance to continue; a play that turns nothing over just spends a card. When two cards fit, the one that uncovers something is usually better.
In the picture the dimmed cards are shown so you can follow along; in the game they are face down. The 6♦ turns over the moment the 7♠ leaves, and it fits on the 7♠ straight away. Had you played the 9♠, the run would have stopped there.
2. Find the longest run you can see
Each card in a run scores 10 more than the one before, so one run of 10 cards scores 550, while two runs of 5 score only 300. Before you play, trace every path through the face-up cards: 7, 8, 9, 10 is better than stopping at 8, and a run can turn round (7, 8, 7, 6) whenever that leads further.
Count the cards you'll turn over along the way, too. A run that ends next to a freshly turned card often isn't over yet.
3. Keep all three peaks moving
It's tempting to clear one peak at a time, but a peak you ignore keeps its face-down cards locked until the end, and those may be exactly the cards you need. Spread your plays so that cards turn over on every peak. The more face-up cards there are across the layout, the more choices you have for each new pile card.
4. Save your bridge cards
Sometimes a card fits now, but it's the only face-up card that will fit the next stock card or link two groups of cards later. Playing it as the last card of a short run wastes it. If a run is about to end anyway, think about which face-up cards you'd like to keep for after the next draw.
That's why Teach me occasionally says a card fits but playing it now leads to a dead end: drawing first keeps it for later.
5. Look ahead before you use the stock
The stock goes through only once, and each draw ends your run. Before you tap it:
- Check every uncovered card on all three peaks. A fit on the far right is easy to miss.
- Ask what you need next: which ranks would start a long run among the cards you can see?
- Remember each rank has four cards. If three Jacks are already on the pile, don't count on the last one to rescue a lone 10 and Queen.
- Draw when nothing helps. Every card left in the stock when you win is worth 25 points, so finishing early pays.
6. Mind the Kings and Aces on Hard
On Easy, Medium and the Daily, Kings and Aces are neighbours, so runs can loop round from Queen to King to Ace to 2. On Hard they aren't: an Ace takes only a 2 and a King only a Queen, which makes them natural dead ends. Uncover the cards around them early, and try to play them at the end of a run rather than in the middle.
7. Use Undo and Teach me to learn
Every deal on GameLake has been checked by a solver, so it can always be won. If you run out of moves, Undo back to the last big choice and try the other card, or press Try this deal again. Teach me shows a move that keeps the deal winnable and says why, without revealing face-down cards. Play a few deals with it and you'll start spotting the same patterns yourself.
New to the game? Start with how to play TriPeaks Solitaire. The same planning helps in Golf Solitaire and Pyramid Solitaire, and our tips to win Solitaire cover the classic game. Then play TriPeaks Solitaire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best strategy for TriPeaks?
Turn over face-down cards first, look for the longest run before you play, keep all three peaks moving, and check every face-up card before drawing from the stock.
Which card should I play when two fit?
Usually the one that turns over a face-down card. If neither does, take the one that starts the longer run you can see, and keep the other as a bridge for later.
How do you get a high score in TriPeaks?
Make long runs: each card in a run scores 10 more than the last, so one run of 10 is worth 550. Clear peak tops for bonuses, win with stock cards to spare (25 each), and finish quickly on a harder level.
Should you draw from the stock early?
Only when nothing useful fits. Each draw ends your run, and every stock card you don't need counts for points when you win.
Is TriPeaks luck or skill?
Both. The hidden cards and the stock order are luck, but which card you play and when you draw are skill. Every GameLake deal can be won with the right moves.