Pyramid Solitaire

Pyramid Solitaire is a captivating Single Player card game, categorized as part of the single deck Solitaire family. The game’s name derives from the unique pyramid like structure of the cards on the playing field. After the cards are dealt, the formation resembles a triangle or pyramid. At Solitaire.ca, you can play Pyramid Solitaire online for free—no registration or downloads required. Thanks to the game’s HTML5 design, it’s available on all devices, including iPhones, iPads and Android devices.

Play Pyramid Solitaire Online

Pyramid Solitaire has gained immense popularity over the years. Its charm even led Microsoft to include it in their Entertainment Pack Series in 2012. It later became part of Windows 8, Windows 10 and was integrated into their Microsoft Solitaire Collection. The version available here is developed by GameBoss, a reputable game studio known for creating high quality Solitaire experiences. You can enjoy playing the classic Pyramid Solitaire directly in your browser, free of charge.

Pyramid Solitaire Rules

The rules of Pyramid Solitaire differ slightly from other Solitaire games, with several variations available. Below are the traditional rules for playing Pyramid Solitaire. First, let’s explain how to deal a new game and the standard setup.

Pyramid Solitaire Setup of a New Game

The game is played with a deck of 52 cards, no jokers. Cards are dealt into the shape of a pyramid, starting with one card at the top and expanding to seven cards in the final row, making a total of 28 cards. The remaining cards form the stockpile. The object of the game is to clear all the cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that add up to 13. If you can clear the entire pyramid, you win the game.

Gameplay

• Cards are paired by the following rules:
• Only cards that are not blocked by others can be played (starting from the bottom of the pyramid).
• Pairs are made by cards that add up to 13.
• You can cycle through the stockpile up to 3 times.

Card Values

• Numbered cards are worth their respective values (e.g., 2 is worth 2, 3 is worth 3 and so on).
• Aces are worth 1.
• Jacks are worth 11.
• Queens are worth 12.
• Kings are worth 13 and can be played automatically.

Scoring

GameBoss added a scoring system to the game. The scoring is based on the following elements:

• Earn 5 points for every matched pair.
• Bonus points are awarded for completing the pyramid quickly.
• Bonus points are awarded for having leftover cards in the stockpile.

Strategy and Tips

Not all Pyramid Solitaire games are winnable. It’s important to assess the layout before diving into gameplay. For example, if a card you need is blocked by multiple layers, it may be impossible to win. Here are a few tips to improve your chances of winning:

• Always play Kings as soon as they become available.
• Prioritize matching pairs from the pyramid rather than the stockpile.
• Try to clear cards evenly across the pyramid to avoid creating isolated rows.

Variations and Similar Games

Many variations of Solitaire have emerged over the years, offering unique twists and challenges to players. Games like Tripeaks Solitaire feature a pyramid like layout and introduce new strategic elements to the gameplay. Other popular variants include Freecell, which provides a more strategic experience by allowing all cards to be visible from the start.