Pyramid Solitaire: Clear the Ancient Pyramid

28 cards. One rule: pairs that add up to 13. Sounds straightforward — until you realise how few games are actually winnable.

About Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire is a classic single-player card game where 28 cards are arranged in a pyramid shape — seven rows, with each card partially covering the two below it.

Your goal is to remove all cards from the pyramid by pairing cards whose values add up to exactly 13. Kings, worth 13, can be removed on their own.

Only uncovered cards — those with no cards on top of them — can be selected. A stock pile provides extra cards when no moves are available on the pyramid.

28 Cards in the Pyramid

7 rows to clear

Strategy & Focus

rewarding every session

How to Play Pyramid Solitaire

The Goal: Remove all 28 cards from the pyramid by pairing cards whose values add up to 13. Clear the pyramid to win.
Card Values: Ace=1, numbered cards 2–10 at face value, Jack=11, Queen=12, King=13. Kings are removed alone.
Uncovered Cards Only: You can only select cards that are fully uncovered — not partially hidden beneath another card in the pyramid.
The Stock Pile: When no moves are available on the pyramid, draw a card from the stock pile and try to pair it with a pyramid card.
Game Over: The game ends in a loss when the stock pile is empty and no valid pairs remain anywhere on the board.

Focus on uncovering the bottom rows of the pyramid first — each removal unlocks new cards and potential pairs.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules

Basic Rules

Pair any two uncovered cards whose values add up to exactly 13.
Kings (value 13) are removed without needing a pair.
Only fully uncovered cards — not overlapped by any other card — can be selected.
Draw from the stock pile when no pairs are available on the pyramid.

Valid Pairs (Sum = 13)

Ace + Queen (1 + 12 = 13)
2 + Jack (2 + 11 = 13)
3 + 10, 4 + 9, 5 + 8, 6 + 7
King alone (13 = 13)

Winning Strategies

Uncover the Base First

Prioritise removing cards from the lower rows of the pyramid. Each removal exposes new cards and opens up fresh pairs.

Remove Kings Early

Kings need no partner — take them off the board as soon as they are uncovered. They occupy prime positions in the pyramid.

Use the Stock Wisely

Don't draw from the stock pile until you have truly exhausted all available pairs. Every card drawn is a resource spent.

Think Before You Pair

Removing a card exposes the one beneath it. Think ahead — sometimes it's better to wait for a more strategically useful moment.

Pyramid Solitaire rewards patience over speed. Take your time to survey the whole board before each move.