Play Pyramid Solitaire Online for Free
Pyramid Solitaire offers a completely different Solitaire experience — instead of building sequences, you’re solving a mathematical puzzle. The goal is to clear a pyramid of 28 cards by pairing exposed cards that add up to 13. It’s quick, addictive, and exercises a different kind of strategic thinking than traditional Klondike Solitaire.
Our free online version features smooth controls, unlimited undo, smart hints, and daily challenges. Jump in and start clearing pyramids — no download or signup required.
Game Features
- Free to Play – No registration or download required.
- Unique Puzzle Gameplay – Pair cards that sum to 13 instead of building sequences.
- Unlimited Undo – Take back moves and try different pairing strategies.
- Smart Hints – Find pairs you might have missed.
- Mobile Friendly – Perfect touch controls on any device.
- Daily Challenges – A fresh pyramid deal every day.
Pyramid Solitaire Rules
Setup
A standard 52-card deck is used. Twenty-eight cards are dealt face-up in a pyramid shape — 7 rows, with each row overlapping the one above it (1 card in row 1, 2 in row 2, and so on up to 7 in row 7). The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.
Card Values
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 |
| 2–10 | Face value |
| Jack | 11 |
| Queen | 12 |
| King | 13 |
How to Play
- Pair exposed cards that add up to 13 and remove them from the pyramid. A card is “exposed” when no cards overlap it from the row below.
- Remove Kings alone — they already equal 13 and don’t need a partner.
- Common pairs: A+Q (1+12), 2+J (2+11), 3+10, 4+9, 5+8, 6+7.
- Draw from the stock one card at a time to the waste pile. The top waste card can be paired with any exposed pyramid card.
- Cycle the stock — when the stock is empty, flip the waste pile to form a new stock (depending on the variant rules).
Winning
You win when all 28 cards in the pyramid have been removed through valid pairs.
Tips for Winning Pyramid Solitaire
- Scan the entire pyramid before making moves. Look for all available pairs before committing. The order in which you remove pairs dramatically affects whether you can clear the pyramid.
- Remove Kings immediately. Kings are always free removals — there’s never a reason to leave one sitting in the pyramid.
- Work from the bottom up. Removing cards from the lower rows exposes more cards in the upper rows. Focus on the base of the pyramid first.
- Watch for blocking cards. Before removing a pair, check whether both cards are needed to uncover something more valuable above them. Sometimes it’s better to wait.
- Use the stock pile strategically. Don’t just rush through the stock — pair stock cards with pyramid cards whenever possible.
- Track which cards remain. Mental card counting helps you know whether a pair is still possible or if you should focus elsewhere.
How Pyramid Compares to Other Solitaire Games
| Feature | Pyramid | Klondike | TriPeaks | FreeCell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanic | Pair to 13 | Build sequences | ±1 from waste | Use free cells |
| Layout | Triangle | 7 columns | 3 peaks | 8 columns |
| Decks | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Win rate | ~2-5% | ~30% | ~90% | ~99% |
| Difficulty | Hard (win rate) | Medium | Easy | Medium |
| Speed | Quick rounds | Medium | Quick | Medium |
Pyramid’s low win rate makes it one of the hardest Solitaire games to beat — but the quick rounds keep you coming back. For a similar “clearing” experience that’s more forgiving, try TriPeaks Solitaire where you clear cards that are ±1 from the waste. If you prefer building sequences, Klondike and FreeCell offer the classic experience.
The History of Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire (also known as “Tut’s Tomb” or “King Tut”) is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, though its exact origins are debated. The game’s Egyptian-themed naming came from the triangular card layout that resembles the ancient pyramids.
Unlike sequence-building games like Klondike or Spider Solitaire, Pyramid introduced a mathematical matching mechanic that set it apart. The requirement to pair cards to a target sum (13) made it feel more like a puzzle than a traditional card game.
Pyramid gained wider recognition through inclusion in various digital card game collections throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Its quick play time and puzzle-like nature made it particularly popular on mobile devices, where it became a staple alongside Klondike and FreeCell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the card values in Pyramid Solitaire?
Ace = 1, numbered cards equal their face value (2-10), Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13. Kings are removed alone since they already equal 13. All other cards must be paired so both values sum to 13.
What percentage of Pyramid Solitaire games are winnable?
Approximately 2-5% of Pyramid deals are winnable, making it one of the hardest Solitaire variants by win rate. The quick rounds and puzzle-like gameplay keep it addictive despite the difficulty.
Can I pair two cards from the waste pile?
In most versions, you can pair the top card of the waste pile with an exposed pyramid card, but you cannot pair two waste pile cards together.
What is the difference between Pyramid and TriPeaks?
Both games involve clearing a pyramid-like structure, but they use completely different mechanics. Pyramid requires pairing cards that sum to 13, while TriPeaks requires playing cards that are one rank higher or lower than the waste pile card.
Play More Solitaire Games
Enjoy a different Solitaire challenge with one of our other free variants:
- Classic Solitaire – The timeless Klondike game on our homepage
- Klondike Solitaire – The world’s most popular Solitaire variant
- FreeCell Solitaire – Pure strategy with all cards visible
- Spider Solitaire – Two-deck challenge with same-suit sequences
- TriPeaks Solitaire – Fast-paced peak clearing
- Yukon Solitaire – Open tableau with flexible card movement