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Pyramid Solitaire: The Ancient 13-Point Puzzle

Pyramid Solitaire runs on pure mental math. You play with one 52-card deck. Twenty-eight cards form a stepped triangular pyramid across seven rows. The other 24 cards sit in reserve. The rule is simple: pair uncovered cards that add up to 13. Clear the pyramid before your deck runs out.

Origins and Evolution

Pyramid dates back to late 18th-century Europe under the name Solitaire Tut. Most patience games make you sort descending suits. Pyramid broke that mold with arithmetic pairing, making matches quick, tense, and direct. Digital ports in the late 1990s turned it into an enduring desktop favorite.

Traditional vs. Modern Rules

Traditional rules give you one single pass through the 24 stock cards with no reserve cell. You win barely 2% of those games. Unicorn Games uses modern tournament rules. You get multiple stock passes and a dedicated reserve cell. Good players win 25% to 35% of their games under this format.

Pyramid Board Layout

Deal 28 cards face-up in seven rows. Row 1 has one card at the apex. Row 2 has two cards. The base row has seven cards. Every card in rows 1 through 6 is pinned by two cards directly below it. The remaining 24 cards sit face-down in your draw stock, flanked by a waste pile and a single-card reserve cell.

Card Values and Pairing Rules

Kings (13): Kings score 13 on their own. Click an uncovered King to discard it instantly. No partner needed.
Queens (12) + Aces (1): 12 plus 1 equals 13. Click both cards to clear the pair.
Jacks (11) + 2s: 11 plus 2 equals 13.
Number Pairs: 10+3, 9+4, 8+5, and 7+6 all equal 13.
Uncovered Card Status: A card is only playable when both cards overlapping its lower edges are completely gone.
Reserve Cell: A temporary holding slot. Move one card here to reach the card trapped beneath it.

Object of the Game

Clear all 28 cards from the pyramid by pairing cards that equal 13. You win the moment you discard the single card at the top apex. Emptying the stock pile is optional.

Rules of Engagement

Only unblocked cards can pair. Match two uncovered pyramid cards, one pyramid card with the top waste card, or either card with the reserve slot. Flip stock cards into the waste one at a time. When the stock runs empty, flip the waste pile to restart the cycle.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Discard Free Kings: Scan the base row. Click every open King immediately to create room.
2. Pair Pyramid Cards First: Always match two cards from the pyramid before touching the draw pile. Every internal match removes two board obstacles at once.
3. Flip Stock Cards: Draw one card at a time. Check if it pairs with any open card on the board or in your reserve cell.
4. Use the Reserve Cell: When a card blocks the exact partner it needs, send it to the reserve cell. That unblocks the match underneath.
5. Clear Both Sides Evenly: Do not dig a deep canyon up one flank. Keep both sides balanced so you have matching options.
6. Discard the Apex Card: Match or discard the final card at row 1 to complete the game.

Scoring and Win Conditions

Each cleared pair gives you 5 points. Every solo King gives you 5 points. Clear all 28 cards from the pyramid to earn a 500-point win bonus.

Tactical Tips for High Win Rates

Spot Buried Matches Early: Scan the board before making a move. Look for self-blocks, such as an 8 covering a 5, or a Queen covering an Ace. You will need your reserve cell to break those ties.
Target the Center Cards: Cards in the middle of a row overlap two cards above them. Corner cards only overlap one. Clear middle cards first to open twice as many plays.
Save the Reserve Slot: Keep the reserve cell empty until you hit a deadlock. If you park cards there lazily, you lose your only emergency exit.
Count Your Discards: Watch how many Aces or Twos pass into the waste pile. If three Aces are already gone, your remaining Queens are in serious danger.

About Pyramid Solitaire at Unicorn Games

Play fast Pyramid Solitaire in your browser. Clean graphics, instant restarts, and smooth mobile controls. When you want a new challenge, try Klondike and FreeCell.

Feedback & Bug Reports

Spot an issue or have a feature request? Reach us at g@unicorn.games.