Pyramid Solitaire Tactics: How to Improve Your Wins

Pyramid Solitaire Rules Step-by-Step Explained

As a Pyramid Solitaire player, knowing the mechanics behind the game is an indispensable weapon. That’s why this section aims to delve into all the rules to keep in mind.

Game Objective

Your objective in Pyramid Solitaire is to clear all cards in the pyramid. And to do this, you must form pairs that add up to 13. The only pairs you can couple up are the unblocked ones. Then you have the King, which is 'worth' 13 alone. That means you can eliminate the King without pairing it with another card. Take a look at some examples of valid pairs:

• Queen (12) + Ace (1) = 13
• Jack (11) + 2 = 13
• 9 + 4 = 13
• 8 + 5 = 13

Pyramid Layout

The game uses a standard deck (52 cards) but spread out in a specific fashion. In total, the entire pyramid-shaped section comprises 28 cards. You then have 7 rows, with the topmost featuring only one card. Each subsequent row has one more card, which ends up forming a triangle.

To play a card, it must be fully exposed. That means an obscured card is unplayable, making the game even trickier when playing.

The Role of the Draw Pile and Discard Pile

Now that the tableau (pyramid) is home to 28 cards when the game starts, where do the remainder go? That’s where the stockpile comes in. You have 24 cards facing down, and you can see the stockpile below the pyramid.

Next to the stockpile is the wastepile. Every time you flip up a card over, it goes to the wastepile. You can then use the face-up cards to pair with the exposed cards from the pyramid to make 13. After cycling through the stock, you can click the re-deal button to flip all the cards over to the stockpile and begin them again.

There’s a caveat, though. You can only cycle through the stock a fixed number of times. But that depends on the solitaire rules of the version you play.

Valid Moves

You have several valid moves in the game as described below:

• Removing a King as a solo move
• Pairing two exposed cards from the pyramid that total 13
• Matching one exposed pyramid with the top card from the wastepile

Other important rules to keep in mind include:

• Cards used to make 13 will be removed from the foundation pile and cannot be replayed.
• Unlike the traditional Klondike Solitaire, you cannot use the gaps you leave behind after removing cards. That means you can only use the pyramid as is.

Win and Lose Conditions

Let’s start with the win, which is quite obvious. The objective is to clear all cards in the pyramid by forming pairs that total 13. On the other hand, if there are no more valid matches between the pyramid and the draw pile, you lose. This goes to show you just how success depends on careful card tracking and smart resource use.

Common Mistakes Players Make in Pyramid Solitaire

To win more often, you need to recognize common pitfalls and avoid them like the plague.

Ignoring Cards That Unblock More Options

One of the most common yet expensive mistakes is ignoring cards that can unblock others. It can be quite tempting to match the first pair available. However, smart players prioritize moves that will uncover more cards. In doing so, you might expose two more cards to give you more possible moves and increase your chances of clearing the pyramid.

Wasting the Stockpile Too Quickly

The stockpile is like your sidearm (a backup). Your main weapon is trying as much as possible to pair the available cards in the pyramid. Blasting through the stockpile quickly means losing access to future card matches. Therefore, it's important to be selective when drawing from it. Always ask yourself whether the current pyramid layout offers good options.

Overlooking the Importance of King Timing

Timing is everything. That is especially true when dealing with Kings. Remember, they are worth 13, and you can remove them as they are. However, doing so early in the game can block strategic matches with other cards.

Pyramid Solitaire Tips for Beginners

For the newbies, a few practical tips explained below will go a long way in improving your skills on the tableau and help you win more games.

Scan the Pyramid Before Making Your First Move

Many players jump right into dragging the first card they lay their eyes on. But you’re a smart player. Take time to scan the full pyramid. Look for cards that appear multiple times, potential matches, and blocks. Always remember that your first move often sets the tone for the rest of the game.

Focus on Freeing Cards Near the Bottom

Remember, uncovering cards should be your top priority. Since the lower rows block the upper ones, focus on how to remove cards from the bottom. The more cards you eliminate, the more tableau cards you reveal. Ultimately, you gain access to a wider range of moves and increase your ability to find matches.

Save the Stockpile for Strategic Moves

At some point in the game, you will hit a snag. When this happens, turn to the stockpile. But until then, remember, you can only cycle through the stock a specific number of times. Therefore, when flipping through the cards, do so to find key cards to complete a match that frees up new possibilities.

Put These Tips to the Test — Try a Game Now!

After reading through this guide, you’re now ready to jump into action. A solid understanding of the rules, paired with what mistakes to avoid and a toolkit of practical tips, will provide you with a successful start. No worries about that because you can easily win a free online game of Pyramid Solitaire. You can also take it slow and start with Classic Spider Solitaire first.